Lloyd Sutherland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lloyd Sutherland, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, school principal, friend to many, and pillar of his community. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92 with his children by his side-leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, humor, diligence, and unwavering devotion to his family and the young people with whom he worked. Lloyd was born to Ila (French) and Wayne Sutherland on St. Patrick's Day 1930 in Fremont and spent his earliest years in Big Prairie, Newaygo County. From humble beginnings on the family farm in Mecosta County with his two brothers, Lloyd set off with his wife and young children to be the first in his family to graduate from college (Alma College, '59). He loved to regale his family with stories of his youth, life on the farm, the family gas station and grocery store at Big Prairie, and how things had changed through the years. Lloyd cherished his wife of 56 years Patricia (Evans) and was deeply devoted to her. They enjoyed dancing with friends, playing joyful tunes on the piano, and traveling with family and school groups to Europe, Latin American, and across the US. Pat preceded him in death in 2006, and he missed her dearly. Their home in St. Louis was a constant and jovial mixture of visiting current and former students, friends, and loved ones. In retirement, he and Pat returned to an idyllic homestead in rural Mecosta County, near where they grew up. "The Farm," as it is affectionately known throughout the family, became a beloved retreat for decades of gatherings, deer hunting, and communion with nature. Countless happy hours of multiple generations were spent in conversation on the front porch, children splashing in the pond and creek, playing games in the shadow of the barn, and warm and convivial campfires in the evenings. Lloyd devoted his life to serving his community as an educator-he was a passionate learner and conversationalist who loved engaging with young people and helping them realize their potential. Lloyd and Pat worked together at St. Louis Public Schools where he served as high school teacher, librarian, transportation director, and principal of State Street/Nikkari Elementary over a 28-year career in the district. He was an inspiration to all four of his beloved children and in turn they committed their lives and careers to helping young people as educators as well. A member of the St. Louis United Methodist Church for 62 years, Lloyd lived his life according to his faith and was known for his kind and compassionate spirit. He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him for his generosity, his love of learning, his playful sense of humor, and his commitment to loving and helping all whom he met. In addition to Patricia and his parents, Lloyd was preceded in death by son David and brothers Kenneth (Aletha) and Glenn (Sharon). He is survived by children Linda (Michael) Chrzanowski, Mary (Daniel) Doepker, and Wayne (Cindy) Sutherland; grandchildren Aaron (Stacy) Sutherland, Jozef (Teri) Chrzanowski, Liana Sutherland, Jennifer (Jarrod) Folsom, Amanda (David) Bolyard, Brian (Jessica) Doepker, Robbie (Amy) Sgro, Anthony (Jessica) Sgro, and Megan (Steve) Giuliani; great grandchildren Macy, Kate, Aurora, Liam, Grace, Jenna, Taylor, Maddox, Claire, Ila, Scarlett, Paul, Hazel, Josie, and Emerson. Lloyd will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless students and young people whose lives he touched throughout his life. His legacy will live on, and he will always be remembered as a beloved husband, family patriarch, educator, and friend. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Berry Funeral Home, Shepherd, MI from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the St. Louis United Methodist Church. A luncheon will be provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (mrwa.org) or The Nature Conservancy (nature.org).