Gerald Arthur Suthern

Gerald Arthur Suthern passed away peacefully on the afternoon of 15 November, 2022 at Mariposa Gardens LTC in Osoyoos, BC. He was a resident there for the past three years and in long-term care for four years due to failing health and a dementia diagnosis. The family thanks profusely the dedicated nurses, care aides, and other medical and support staff involved with his care for their unwavering help and kindness with an increasingly difficult patient.

Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Gerald was the first child of the late Franklyn Stewart Suthern from Westport, Nova Scotia and Jeanne Arvilla Stiles of Lewisville, New Brunswick. Surviving are five children: Michael Suthern (Heather Price), Richmond Hill, ON, Gordon Suthern, Calgary, AB, Karen Suthern (Clayton Harling) North Bay, ON, Joan Suthern (Richard Bennetts), Penticton, BC, and Carol Suthern, Osoyoos, BC. Eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 47 years, Fay (née Morton) of New Germany, Nova Scotia in 2002, a daughter, Laurie in infancy in 1962, and his only sibling Reginald G Suthern in 2017.

Gerald (“Jerry” or “Suds”) left school at the age of 17 to join the Canadian Armed Forces. He quickly obtained the rank of Sergeant in the radar tech trade. He was responsible for learning about the latest radar and early warning detection systems, and then training new recruits for that position in their careers. His service to his country took him and his family from “sea to sea to sea” at many radar installations, and as far south as Phoenix, AZ in the latter part of his career. Throughout his active military career, you would often find him curling, golfing and fishing during his time off. He won many individual and team trophies for those sports and greatly enjoyed fishing, especially for Arctic Char during his time at the Early Warning System installations in the far north of Canada.

After 38 years in the C.A.F. he had obtained the rank of Warrant Officer and retired in North Bay, ON. He and Fay then decided to move to Osoyoos, BC to enjoy the benefits of the Okanagan Valley. They appreciated their ability to easily access their time share in Mexico and enjoyed yearly trips there. Fay gardened on their large property in Osoyoos while Gerald spent time golfing and ‘telling lies’ over a beer with his friends around Osoyoos. They also enjoyed attending regular military reunions, keeping them in touch with their many friends, and travelling to various locations around Canada. Gerald was a long-time member, Past President and Treasurer of the Osoyoos Legion, Branch 173 and gave generously to the BC SPCA.

Per his wishes Gerald will be cremated and laid to rest beside his wife in Lakeview Cemetery, Osoyoos, BC. Arrangements respectfully handled by Graham Funeral Home. He did not wish for any service or visitation. A private family gathering at the cemetery is scheduled for 25 Nov 2022. Donations to the Legion, BC SPCA, or an organization of your choosing in his memory would be gratefully appreciated. 

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