Ronald A. Sutherland

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming... WOW, WHAT A RIDE!" - Hunter S. Thompson

Ronald A. Sutherland (Ron), 79, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, died on August 3, 2025, in Boston, MA surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Dale (Blomquist) Sutherland.

Born in Providence, RI on July 16, 1946, he was the son of Vernon and Dorothy (Kay) Sutherland. Ron grew up in Cranston and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with his bachelor's and master's degree in education. He began his teaching career at Parkview Junior High School and also dove into a lifelong passion for coaching swimming. He briefly changed careers and spent a few years with the North Kingstown police department, but soon realized teaching and coaching is where he belonged. After leaving NKPD, Ron developed the aquatics program at the Community College of Rhode Island, Lincoln Campus. Ron then rose to the Division 1 level and enjoyed a long career at the University of Arizona, both teaching in the classroom and coaching at the pool. He found international success with multiple athletes qualifying for Olympic Trials and numerous other successes at the National Level.

Upon retiring from the U of A, Ron returned to New England and continued teaching and coaching at Rhode Island College. He also shared his natural abilities as a lifeguard and rescue instructor for several YMCA and Red Cross locations. In his free time, Ron was a family man, a great guy who enjoyed a vacation, a beautiful afternoon in the garden or relaxing on the porch and watching the birds in the yard. He quietly and bravely battled cancer for over 10 years, and his family is eternally grateful to the medical staff at Mass General Hospital for the years of support and care.

Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dale (Blomquist) Sutherland of Fairhaven, MA, his children Cortney Lancaster (Nathan Webster) of Bristol, RI, Jennifer Sutherland Gerrard (Jason Gerrard) of Madison, CT, Derek Sutherland of Ipswich, MA, and Whitney Sutherland (Mel Clem) of Tiverton, RI, his grandchildren Vaughn, Devon, McKayla, Lilliana, Abigail, Lyla, Cameron and Jake and his sister Kay Carlone of Warwick RI. Ron is also survived by countless students and athletes that he always considered family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bristol Yacht Club 101 Poppasquash Rd, Bristol, RI on August 24, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm EST, all are welcome to attend to remember Ron with love and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ron Sutherland to the Massachusetts General Hospital. Donations may be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/ or checks can be mailed to: Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.