Kermit Alvin Sutherland

Kermit Alvin Sutherland entered eternity peacefully and surrounded by family Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 64 years, Janet Gravley Sutherland; daughters, Debbie Porter (Clay) of Phoenix, AZ, Dawn Nelson (Clark) of Everett, WA, sons, Dave Sutherland (Lisa) of Trabuco Canyon, CA, and Dan Sutherland (Michele) of San Clemente, CA. Nine grandchildren include: Ashlee Tolman and her husband Mitch, Brooke, Caden, Taylor, Luke, Christian, Emma, Hope and Hayley—and a great-grandson Beckett Tolman, and we anticipate the arrival of Baby Girl Tolman in January 2025. Kermit is also remembered fondly by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sander and Goldie Martin Sutherland, and siblings, Lorna, Janice, Ervin, Laurence, Arthur, Lenard, Howard, and Gerald, as well as sisters-in-law Bonnie and Vi.

Born on the family farm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on June 13, 1941, Kermit was the youngest of nine with stories of growing up that have kept us entertained for decades. Kermit, affectionately known as “Bub” was known for his enthusiasm and antics as a young uncle. Inspired by his older siblings’ faith, Kermit chose to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior, a decision that forever shaped his life.

In high school, Kermit excelled in sports, playing football, basketball, and wrestling, and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1959. He continued to cheer on his sons and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits over the years. After attending Itasca Junior College, he dreamed of starting his own business but was ultimately led down a different path when he met the love of his life, Janet. They married on September 9, 1961, in Minneapolis and soon felt called to join the ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU). Moving to San Bernardino, California, in 1966, they packed up their young family and dedicated their lives to the ministry, serving in various roles and forming enduring friendships through their work with CRU. Kermit was also involved with the Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC), Toastmasters, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

In 1995, Kermit began coordinating prayer breakfasts, eventually founding Prayer Breakfast Network, known as PBN. His work connected him with city leadership and introduced him to national events, including the Presidential Prayer Breakfast. These gatherings were a source of great encouragement and a testament to his lifelong commitment to sharing Christ and building faith and discipleship.

So many powerful lessons Dad taught us. In recent years he repeatedly said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you” at the end of his prayers. We will especially remember the morning school send offs when he took us to school: “Learn lots, study much, smile and be happy!” We will miss his ability to pull everyone together for grilled steaks and time around the table. We’ll miss his laugh, the twinkle in his eye when he was up to something, fishing, golfing, and his prayers for each of us.

Kermit will be interred at Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery in Everett, Washington. A memorial service will be planned in early 2025.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/everett-wa/

The family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have shared their love and support throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to COIN, Coaches of Influence.