It is with heavy hearts that after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s, William James “Jimmie” Sutherland, 76, passed peacefully on his beloved East Street Farms, Port Hood, on June 16, 2020. Born in Pictou in 1943, Jimmie was the fifth oldest of 12, to the late Alexander (Alex) Robert Sutherland and the late Elizabeth (MacDonald) Sutherland. A consummate leader for over 50 years, nothing was a hobby as he worked as an Ironworker and Boilermaker (Local 73 – until his retirement in 2002) throughout eastern Canada before returning to Port Hood in 1969 where he created East Street Farms and purchased his first lobster boat. Jimmie married Brenda Langley (Brenton and Nan Langley) in 1966. Together they raised a family of four dynamic children who continue to pass on his legacy of hard work. A supportive and loving husband, Jimmie was blessed with a wit that most were jealous of. A country gentleman, to Jimmie nothing beat a good chat with family and friends, seeing his family succeed, Hockey Night in Canada and Coaches Corner with fudge after Tommy Hunter. A man of strong personal beliefs in family, friends, God, and community, Jimmie always gave more than he took. If conversations with friends began with work, fishing, horses or farming his family knew where he was going to be for some time. If you could not find him on the farm Jimmie could be found working and chatting at Murphy’s Pond (retired from fishing in 2010). Once an avid horseman, Jimmie loved the track and his friends around the Inverness and Port Hood Raceways. One of his favourite places to watch, help, share a story and a smile. He was always there to lend a helping hand to whoever needed him, but without being in the spotlight. Jimmie was proud that his grandchildren could accept, on his behalf, Nova Scotia’s first Lifetime Achievement Award in Agriculture, and was recently awarded the 50-year Membership Service pin from the Canadian Hereford Association (their highest honour). Jimmie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda; children, Jeff (Susan), Etobicoke Ont.; Beverley (Ian) MacDonald, Port Hood; Todd (Bea), Port Hood; and Bobby, Ottawa, Ont. Jimmie also shaped the lives of his amazing grandchildren, Brenton and Monica (Todd and Bea), Dawson (Bobby and Donna), Ryan and Meagan (Jeff and Susan), and James and Rori (Beverley and Ian). Jimmie leaves behind his “personal nurse” and daughter-in-law, Donna Raike, Halifax. Jimmie also leaves behind his adopted son, Pathma Kanthasamy (Charlie B.) his wife, Yoga and their kids, Aran and Sagaana, Toronto, Ont. Jimmie is also survived by brothers and sisters, Charlie (Merebeth), Bowmanville, Ont.; Sandra MacDonald, Port Hood; Barry (Mary), Port Hawkesbury; Ludy (Selina), St. Mary’s Ont.; Alex, Port Hood; Duncan (Bonnie) Port Hood; Francis (Charlene), Bedford; Betty Anne (Doug) Cameron, Inverness; Johnny, Peter (Sandra) and Eldon (Darlene) all of Port Hood. Jimmie also leaves numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jimmie was predeceased by sister-in-law, Mary (Alex) and brother-in-law, Donald (Sandra).
He was able to be at home where he wanted to be and was well-loved and cared for. Jimmie and the family would like to thank the doctors and nurses from the Inverness Consolidated Memorial and Cape Breton Regional Hospitals. A special and personal thanks to the nurses of Nova Scotia Home Care, who supported Jimmie during this long battle. Jimmie will be waked at East Street Farms, 146 East Street., Port Hood, on Friday, June 19th, from 3-7 p.m. Social distancing rules will be respected and enforced. A private family burial will occur on Saturday, June 20th with Father Eugene Morris and Father Vincent vanZutphen officiating. A Virtual Mass will also be held in Jimmie's memory on Saturday, June 20th at 5:00 p.m. please go to http://www.saintpetersporthood.com. Donations in Jimmie’s memory may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society. Family flowers only.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
