Bus SUV crash kills old friend, Donald Sutherland

There is no time like the present to contact friends and family

By Stephen Pate, NJN Network, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, May 11, 2009 with Charlottetown Guardian story

I had heard that an SUV hit a bus out near Clyde River but the shock struck this morning when I read the Guardian. The deceased was an old friend Don Sutherland from IRAC. It is hard to believe someone you knew for decades passes away suddenly.

Back in the 1970’s, Don worked for the Public Utilities Commission regulating, among other things, service station operators when I worked as a young accountant in Albion Cross, Kings County. He took me under his wing and taught me the rules of registration and reporting for Campbell’s Irving in Dundas.

We stayed friends for decades. When I had the idea of writing software for water utilities it was Joe McKenna and Don who encourage and mentored me. Joe was on the Board at the Charlottetown Water Commission and Don was then with IRAC. IRAC was the successor to the PEI PUC.

Don had a great sense of humour. He was an awful tease. When my company Island Computer did work for IRAQ, Don delighted in pulling practical jokes on me. I learned to watch for the smile in his eyes when he tormented me.

He often had Island Computer staff all worried until they told me what he was asking for. I realized he was pulling their leg.

We had a great deal of mutual respect for each other. Our country home in Murray Harbour North was similar to his farm home high up on the hill. He painted his almost the same colors as ours.

One day Daniel Arsenault, one of our service techs, had been to IRAQ servicing Don’s computer. He came back and exclaimed “Don has a picture of your house on his computer!”

Don was more methodical than me. He would give me lectures on how to deal with water utilities which helped Aquilium Software become a success.

Don was also very intelligent and creative. From ground zero, he mastered the complex computer network operating system. He taught himself database concepts and MS Access. From there he set up the whole system of forms and web pages you see when looking up something at IRAC.

They have a lovely condolence to him on their front page today.

Note of Condolences
The staff of the Commission expresses their condolences to the family and friends of Don Sutherland on his tragic passing as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Don will be missed by everyone. His three decades of public service reflected his commitment, insight and expertise.

Since I retired ten years ago, we rarely saw each other. I think he saw me as wasting my time retiring at 50.

Two weeks ago I went to IRAQ and tried to look him up. He was on leave they said.

I made a note to call him or email him but didn’t. Friday night coming back from supper, I remembered him again and thought I’d call this week. I wished I’d done it right then. On Saturday morning I reminisced with Edith retelling her funny and affectionate “Don Sutherland” stories. Now he is gone.

Along with everyone who knew Don, I will miss my friend. Don was a great guy and a true friend for more than thirty years. My condolences go out to his wife, family and friends.

Obituary

Donald George Sutherland

Suddenly as the result of a motor vehicle accident on Saturday, May 9, 2009, of Donald G. Sutherland of the Appin Road, age 56 years.

Dear husband, best friend and soul mate of Orlanda Drebit.

Son of the late Alice (MacKinnon) and Elmer Sutherland. Special brother of Sondra (the late James) Fletcher and Donna (Ken) Hicks. Beloved son–in-law of Rose and Peter Drebit and brother–in-law of Carman Drebit and Donna Olsen. Cherished uncle of Ken, Rob and Sharon Fletcher, Michelle Callaghan, Janice Hicks, Christine Burdett and Rena Olsen.

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Wednesday from Canoe Cove Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, memorials to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Visiting hours Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com.