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John SUTHERLAND Obituary
His passing leaves a big, quiet gap in all our lives.
Grateful thanks to Dr Janet Turnbull, the MND team at CCDHB and the District Nurses for their expert and professional care of John.
Funeral to be held at Whenua Tapu on 9 February at 2.00pm.
Memories and Condolences
for John SUTHERLAND
18 Entries
Sue Chamberlain
March 2, 2026
Susan, Angus and family. sending you my deepest sympathy at the sad loss of John. He was such great company and a wonderful musician. May many happy memories of him give you strength at this time.
David Morris Murphy
February 9, 2026
John and I shared a gig in Upper Hutt around 2015ish. Ive always loved
his playing. He seemed to cross pick the chords. Beautiful. Condolenses to Susan and family and rest in peace John
Simon Burgess
February 9, 2026
John got me my first major NZ festival gig in 1983, his enthusiasm was a great boost to my confidence, a gift that still lasts. Love and condolences to Susan and boys.
Anne O´Donnell
February 9, 2026
Sending you all support and strength as you embark on this next phase of life. John will be sorely missed. I always loved seeing him and you, Susan pop up at musical occasions and hearing you both perform. John was hugely supportive and encouraging of my harp playing from my earliest days on. He taught me so much and I will always be grateful for his kind generosity.
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Kevin McLoughlin
February 8, 2026
I first met John about 1976 at Whare Flat and his guitar playing and songs Just blew me away. After I moved to the north I spent more time with John and Susan talking music, songs and instruments. He was a special friend and will always be missed.
sonja giles
February 7, 2026
I am so sad, Susan, Daniel, Angus and Reuben and family, for your loss. I send my sympathy and love. I remember you all when the boys were small, and I remember a laughing, passionate and such a well-informed man. I will never forget his beautiful musicianship whether singing harmonies, a traditional ballad or a blues, whistling or playing guitar concertina and mouth-harp, and latterly his musical partnership with Susan. I remember his surprisingly quiet reaction when his beautifully restored Morrie pickup in which we were travelling to Wellingtonran out of petrol, in winter, on the desert road! (Not John's fault, nor Susan's.) I remember John with great admiration and affection. Simply the best.
Eamon Lyons
February 7, 2026
My warmest condolences to you and your family at this time. John was a lovely man and a such a presence in the folk scene here in Wellington. I loved listening to him play, such a beautiful voice and accent. May he Rest in Peace
Mary Hubble
February 5, 2026
Dear John - I'm so glad to have been able to share many moments, songs and cheer, embraces and laughter with you, and Susan, over the years our paths ran together. You always warmed my heart and your voice and playing delighted the ear. Go well, you'll be remembered aye.
Sue Hirst
February 4, 2026
John was such a fine musician and a warm-hearted, twinkly, lovely man. Susan, you and your family are all in my heart as you navigate this loss.
Michelle Phillips
February 3, 2026
Susan, My warmest condolences to you and your family over the loss of John. He was a man of remarkable talent and will be sorely missed by so many. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.
Deb G
February 2, 2026
I won't be alone in having a handful of memories of John - not so much the rip-roaring, brightly coloured kind, more like a small, treasured hoard of single malts, that gleam in occasional light. There are some songs that will always be John's - You Bring out the Boogie; Norland Wind; & of course the Freedom Come All Ye. I'm going to play his CD Mealmarket now & my thoughts are with Susan & their family. See you next time, John.
Ken Allan
February 1, 2026
I'll miss you John. Loved the chats and the music we played together from way back. Safe journey pal.
Sue Ikin
February 1, 2026
Such a lovely person. Warm, funny and always generous with his time. A wonderful musician yet always supportive of others. His contribution to the NZ folk music scene spanned 60 years plus and we will all miss him sorely.
Sue & Kevin Ikin
Jo SHEFFIELD
February 1, 2026
Susan, sending you much love and sincere sympathy for your loss. Jo Sheffield
Tricia Lee
February 1, 2026
Such a lovely, gentle man and a wonderful musician and singer. His contribution to the NZ folk scene was immense, and won him many friends and fans. He will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to Susan and all his family.
Lesley McClymont
February 1, 2026
John was a very special person and I am honoured he was a friend to me & my late husband, also John. He truly valued family & friends. The epitome of this was making his last trip to Scotland to see the few family left despite already being restricted by the cruel illness that affected his final years.
John was always quick to help in any situation and gave generously of his time. There was a twinkle in his eye and he was positive & cheerful. Everything he did was given the utmost care & attention. My earliest memories are of a meticulous guitar player for whom, to my surprise, the "Blues run the game"!
Much love to Susan & family: Dan, Lenore & Xanthe; Reuben & Patrycja; Angus, Katie & "the bump". John leaves a gap in all our lives.
Lesley McClymont
Edinburgh formerly Wainuiomata
Janette Wallace Gedge
January 31, 2026
Lovely memories of a wonderful man and a true, generous, warm Scot. We will miss you and your humour. Janette
Barry Swallow.
January 31, 2026
A very small intimate concert where John played and sang of his childhood and early years. A performance of such joy, compassion and complex guitar skill.
It was an immense pleasure to sit before a true master at work. RIP good friend.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results