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