Gilbert W. Sutherland

1938 - 2016

Sutherland, Gilbert W.

Gilbert Warren Sutherland, 78, of Mead Lake, rural Greenwood, WI, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2016, in Marshfield, WI, as a result of a relatively long battle with life. (Note: Gilbert penned his own obituary which is relayed verbatim per his request. Updates have been lovingly provided by his daughters).

Gil was born on June 14, 1938 in Fond du Lac, WI, the son of Roger and Katharine Sutherland. He spent the greater part of his formative years in Milwaukee where much of his life was happy. He attended Riverside High School and excelled in music and athletics. His college years were spent at Wisconsin State College (now UW Milwaukee) and Lawrence College where he graduated with a B.A. Cum Laude in 1960. Gil received his Masters degree from Wesleyan University in 1961 and accepted his first teaching assignments in Stevens Point (1962-63) and Neenah (1963-1993). Gil attempted to instill in his students an inquiring mind and a constant quest to answer "Why?." While in Neenah, Gil coached wrestling, began the interscholastic program and served as head track and assistant football coach. A need to be with his growing family and a disgust with a growing concern with hair length ended his coaching career. While he could have, he did not coach the 1963 Neenah cross country team to the Class A title. That glory belongs to T. Lynch.

Gil was not affiliated with any organized religion and when asked, would often refer to himself as an Evangelical Agnostic. For those who really knew him; however, he was actually a Catholic, but did not let on since most would not understand that to be a Catholic is to be in a true minority.

Gil is survived by his two beautiful daughters: Andrea (Almus) Kenter of Kingston, NH and Chantelle (Thomas) Stocco of Milwaukee, WI; one brother: Warren Sutherland of Port Townsend, WA; two sisters: Rosalie Stump of Salem, VA and Carol Awender of Sanibel, FL, and four grandchildren: Linas, Daris, Magdalena, and Maxwell.

Per Gil's request there will be no funeral and no flowers. Donations in Gil's name to Boyd's Mason Lake Resort fish management fund are welcomed (PO Box 57, Fifield, WI 54524). Gil also requests help to provide bird feed to sustain his feathered friends throughout the seasons.

A future gathering of friends will be arranged.

A year prior to his passing, Gil lost Patsy, his true love and wife. Had she outlived Gil, it was his request that someone send or bring Pat an occasional carnation, pussy willows in March, Spring Beauties and Marsh Marigolds in May, a trillium on May 8 (Andrea's birthday), and a wild violet in June. In Gilbert and Patsy's memory, Andrea and Chantelle ask all friends and family to honor this request by providing a friend or a stranger with a flower anytime during the year.

Gil leaves these messages: "We have met the enemy and they is us" and from the advice of his good friend Dr. Gloomer, "If most things in life aren't funny, then that's the way they really are."

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.