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Roger Sutterfield Obituary

Roger A. Sutterfield (aka Mr. Darling, Sweetie, Papa, Grandpa, Daddy, Rog and Roy‚r) was born in St. Louis, MO on July 11, 1947. He was the youngest of three children born to parents Vita and Woodrow Sutterfield. As a child, Roger was a proud member of the Indian Guides and, because he got to wear a cape, the Drum and Bugle Corps. He grew up in a large Sicilian family and as a young man spent much of his time playing pool, tinkering with cars, playing music, and enjoying his mom's cannoli. Roger studied business for a year at St. Louis, MO State College and in 1967, rather than be drafted, he joined the Navy. He served two tours of duty as a navigator on a riverboat in Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, he spent a few years in extensive R & R in Ocean Beach where he met his first wife, Samm Martinez. In 1974 they drove to Humboldt County in his orange van with hopes of acceptance to HSU and $200 in their pockets. Roger graduated from HSU with a degree in Social Welfare and Sociology. Always entrepreneurial, he was a partner in a successful manufacturing business and the co-inventor of the Hoe Clamp, a device for heavy machinery. After the birth of his daughter Ren‚, Roger decided to make a dramatic career change and enrolled in massage school at the Heartwood Institute, starting on his true path as a healer. He literally touched the lives and bodies of so many people in need. He shared his generous energy and spirit freely, healing the minds and bodies of so many with his intuitive touch and gentle nature. Roger and his wife Mary Keehn were friends for over a decade and in 1992, they began a short (17 year) courtship that led to a marriage ceremony in Mary's parents' backyard. Officiated by their step-dad Ed Chapman, Mary was walked down the backyard aisle by grandson Tyler Vaughn. Roger beamed in the same purple tie-dye silk shirt he wore on their first date. His mother in law thought he was a brave soul to take on four step daughters but Roger welcomed the role with open arms and a willing spirit. He participated in the birth of all five of his grandchildren. He has been a role model extraordinaire not just to them but to his family and friends. Roger was a regular and generous supporter of many local charities and programs benefiting the community. He also encouraged and challenged his friends and family to give back. Roger had a way of listening deeply that helped others to reach their full potential. He inspired his grandchildren to form a family foundation in his name to help those in need. Mary and Roger built their dream house in Fieldbrook where they were welcomed into the Fieldbrook First Friday Fogies community. Roger fully embraced retirement and encouraged relaxation in others. He loved life, color and all things silly. Stomp rockets, fart jokes, silly hats, colorful fish pants, and a crooked finger that could point around the corner kept his family and friends laughing. He shared many trips to Hawaii with kids and grandkids. Roger could often be spotted with a glass of champagne toasting the setting sun and the migrating whales. Roger spread his wings on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2013. We are ever thankful for the many caregivers of his Hospice team who allowed him to remain at home with his family. Roger is survived by his wife and Sweetie, Mary Keehn, daughters Malorie McCurdy, Holly McCurdy, Sarah McCurdy, Jolene Konnersman andRen‚ Martinez-Sutterfield,son in lawRyan Wootton, grandchildren Tyler Vaughn, Taylor Phelps, Justin Phelps, Zoe McCurdy and Jayden McCurdy, brother Patrick Sutterfield andsister, Judy Sutterfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Humboldt the folks who help so many transition to their next stage. Hospice of Humboldt 2010 Myrtle Avenue Eureka, CA 95501 TEL: 707-445-8443 http://www.hospiceofhumboldt.org/donate.shtml Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Roger's life on January 12, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Warfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA. We ask that guests wear colorful attire to honor Roger's colorful spirit. Fish pants are encouraged. Please sign the guesbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Dec. 25 to Dec. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Sutterfield

Not sure what to say?





karin

September 3, 2014

just found out today that roger had left this world. he was a purehearted, beautiful person and an amazing healer. just wanted to add my love to these messages...

Nancy Norman

July 26, 2014

I just found out this morning that Roger had passed on. I am in shock and very saddened to hear this. I had massages from Roger twice a month for five years. We always talked and I
Think Roger was a very kind, healing, man with a great sense of humor. He adored Mary and was very proud of her and her success. He often talked about his daughter too. I didn't know he was ill as I moved to Portland, Oregon almost ten years ago. My deep condolences tho belated to the entire family.

Lorie Harbour

June 1, 2014

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT ROGER PASSED AWAY AND I AM SO BUMMED, ROGER WORKED ON MY NECK AND BACK FOR OVER 10 YEARS, HE WAS A GREAT GUY, WE HAD SO MANY GREAT CONVERSATIONS. I HOPE WHERE EVER HE IS .....HE IS SITTING BY A CRYSTAL BLUE OCEAN SIPPING A MAI TAI AND WATCHING THE SUNSET WITH HIS BARE FEET IN THE SAND. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. LIFE IS NEVER LONG ENOUGH!

cindy kuttner

January 7, 2014

dear roger, sweet dad of renee at equinox school! i am so sorry to hear of your passing! i remember you so well, your good fathering of renee and our time together in those early years at equinox. i send much love to your beloveds at this time of your passing. i would offer my time to renee or sam or any of your beloveds if they want to talk about love and loss. i imagine you and guy giving each other great massages in the after-life-world. i love you and yours, cindy kuttner

Linda Anne Cummings

December 31, 2013

My sincere condolences to Mary, and to all of Roger's family and friends. Through the decades I knew Roger, I never saw him without a big, friendly smile.
Thanks Roger, for making me feel so much better - so many times.
This world is truly smaller now, but how the universe has grown!

Heidi Osborne

December 30, 2013

So sorry to hear this I worked as Roger's secretary at dynamic therapy he was such a good person and I am thankful to have known him. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Heidi

Roger and friends camping early '70's (and the orange van)

Tony Siegl

December 30, 2013

I have many fond childhood memories of Roger and though I haven't seen him in years I will miss him and I will cherish those memories forever!

Lynne Jackson

December 30, 2013

Roger was one of the first people I got to know when I first moved to Arcata from Illinois and we both worked at the Case rental/dealership. He was always the nicest guy and I appreciated his kindness and sense of humor. He was truly a gentle soul and I will always remember Roger fondly. He will live on in the memory of all that knew him.

Helen McCarthy

December 28, 2013

I will miss you Roger. Truly

The orange van.

December 28, 2013

Raymond Brown

December 28, 2013

Well Roger, the body you occupied may be done but your beautiful spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone that ever knew you. I will miss my old friend and I regret not having kept in touch. Say hello to my mom as I know you are both at His side.

Brenda Bishop

December 27, 2013

I will miss you dear one.

Shirley Brown

December 26, 2013

Roger my dear friend, so sad to hear of your passing. I was one of Rogers first patients when he started his practice. Last being McKinleyville until he retired. No finer gentleman could ever be found. He was my friend, my confidant, my advisor. I cherish having known this wonderful lovely man who loved his family more then life itself.. Rest with the Angels for you were surely on of them. God bless.

sue branch

December 25, 2013

Roger, agift in my life to have had you in it.Fine job living it old friend.I didn't even know you were sick.Living life well loving well,and laughing often....you will always be remembered well. Thank you for your time with me.Big love to your family.

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