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Rudolph Sutherland Obituary
Rudolph B. Sutherland
of Vestal
Rudolph Blake Sutherland, 80, of Vestal, passed away on Monday, 29 September 2008, with his family at his side. Rudy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane Thomas Sutherland; his daughters, Melanie Sutherland (N.Y.) and Cheryl Sutherland (N.H.); his granddaughters, Rachel Sluder (N.H.) and Emily Sluder (N.H.); his sister, Millicent Allison (Dr. Joel) (Conn.); nephews, Ben Allison (N.Y.) and Raphael Allison (N.Y.); and many dear friends and extended family. Rudy was born January 23, 1928, in New York City. He served in the U.S. Army, attended New York University, and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences (Binghamton University) and Cornell University. Rudy initially worked as a professional photographer at General Electric in Johnson City; he also was employed at Moore Business Forms in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and at IBM in Personnel Development in Huntsville, Ala. and Endicott, retiring from IBM 20 years ago after 20 years of service. In his retirement, Rudy enjoyed his family, nature photography, knife collecting, travel, IBM Computer Club, the retired IBM-ers lunch group, Mensa International, the family dogs, and working in his bountiful vegetable gardens. His loving devotion and caring support for his family and friends was unsurpassed. We will greatly miss his gregarious storytelling and infectious laughter.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held in November. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Rudy may be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rudolph Sutherland
Beryl and John White
October 15, 2008
Beryl and I first met Diane and Rudy in 1992 at the National Quilting Association Show in Ohio. I was to help him on the photographing of the quilts and Beryl to work with the judging team. We became friends then and worked together for a number of years when we visited the States for the annual show. In our off work times we explored the States we were in and had a great time together. When we could no longer visit the U.S. we became regular e-mail friends exchanging jokes and family gossip. A great buddy who we will miss enormously. You have left a hole in our lives Rudy.
We send great love to Diane and the girls from us both.
Beryl and John White, London, England.
Guy Parasch
October 9, 2008
I first met Rudy while working at IBM. He was an interesting and intelligent person to speak with.
Later, we met again at the IBM Computer Club - now STPCC. We had many pleasant discussions on variuos subjects. He always wanted people to socialize more than discuss technical matters.
We'll miss him at the club.
Darcie Siciliano
October 9, 2008
Dear Melanie and your family,
My sympathies for such a profound and difficult loss. May you keep cherished and warm memories of your dad alive in your heart, so that your love for eachtother continues to bring happoiness to your life. Wishing you love and strength in this difficult time.
Sheila Speller
October 7, 2008
Dear Melanie.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I wish that every joyful memory continues to bring a smile to your heart and spirit.
Sheila.
Deborah Savadge
October 7, 2008
Dear Melanie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending hugs ~
Raf Allison
October 6, 2008
Dear Diane, Melanie, and Cheryl:
I'm sorry that you've lost Rudy. My memories of him are warm and happy. I particularly remember the presents he would always bring Ben and me. Once, he brought a huge plastic golf club with whiffle golf balls. I think we still have it in my parents' basement. I remember that the club was wrapped in paper and had ribbon on it. It's a memory that says so much about what I knew of Rudy--his generosity, kindness, and big heart. I'm sorry that he had to go, though I'm happy for his long life, which was so full.
My love to you all,
Raf
Jamie Newman
October 6, 2008
Dear
Melanie and family,
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like your dad was a great guy. I'm glad I
did get to meet him briefly on his visit to the museum. take care, love
Jamie
Jane Freidson
October 6, 2008
Dear Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man, interesting and intelligent, and I know you and your family will miss him. My thoughts are with you.
Renee Philippi
October 5, 2008
My deepest sympathies to you, Melanie, and your family. All my thoughts, prayers, and love.
Warren Bodow
October 5, 2008
Ellen and I wish to add our condolences to Melanie and her family.
Ed & Marilyn Mohring
October 5, 2008
Rudy was a good neighbor and friend for 32 years. He will be missed. Rudy and Ed both worked as engineers for IBM and in the 70's and 80's would often car pool into work together. Ed and Rudy also shared many hobbies and interests. Rudy always shared his expertise on travel, photography, gardening, and in other areas. His infectious smile and kind spirit will be missed by both of us.
Chris Kerr
October 5, 2008
Shelley and I mourn your loss. Rudy and I met through Melanie. Subsequently, we exchanged political email. We hold him and his wonderful family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, The Reinhardt Kerrs
Lisa Brown
October 5, 2008
How sorry we are for your loss. What a testament to Rudy that you were all there with him through this most difficult time. May God bless you and comfort you with his Holy Spirit. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lots of Love,
Dave & Lisa, Chris, Carolyn, & Taylor
Joan D Firestone
October 5, 2008
Dear Melanie,
To know you is to experience the gift of love and wisdom from your
adoring father. My deepest sympathy on his loss.
Marge Pfleiderer
October 4, 2008
Dear Diane, Mel, & Cheryl, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marge
Brigitte Manteuffel
October 4, 2008
My love goes out to Mel, Cheryl, their mother, Cheryl's children, and the rest of their family. I have fond memories of long talks with Rudy about all kinds of things over the many years Mel and I have known each other, and of Rudy visiting me in Atlanta during a road trip south that included a visit to fellow knife collectors in Tennessee and made a detour through Atlanta possible. Rudy drove the "long way around" the Atlanta perimeter to find us. My son and I had a great time taking Rudy out for Greek food and sitting up and talking through the evening. Know that the wind blowing through your hearts now will blow more softly with time, Brigitte
Ludovica Villar-Hauser
October 4, 2008
Dear Melanie and family, you are in our thoughts. May Mr. Sutherland be at peace.
Bob Smith
October 4, 2008
Bob Smith
Rudy's income tax mentor
Alexis Greene
October 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. Sutherland,
Gordon and I have been so very sorry to hear about Rudy's illness and passing. We count ourselves lucky to have met him -- a fine, lively, adventurous man, beloved by his family.
You are in our thoughts.
Alexis Greene & Gordon Hough
Linda Snupik-Grebe
October 4, 2008
Mrs. Sutherland, Mel & Cheryl,
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Sutherland's passing. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of 'old' friends. With sincere sympathy,
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