Obituary of Derek Sutherland

Derek left us on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the age of 45.  He leaves behind his son, Tyson Williams, his mother, Jemima and his brothers; Howard, Keith, Steve, Aaron, Terrance and Jonathan.  He also leaves behind his sisters; Terry, Loretta and Samantha and many nieces, nephews, aunties and uncles as well as his friends he had in his home community and those he met along the way with the Canadian Rangers.  He is predeceased by his father, Charles, his grandparents Abraham and Maggie as well as John and Matrine and his sister, Jennifer as well as his nephew Quincy.

Derek took great pride in being one of the Canadian Rangers.  He always spoke of them with such compassion and you can just hear the pride he spoke of them.  He always had stories of his adventures and teachings.  Of course, with his weird sense of humour thrown in.

He enjoyed being outdoors; one of his favorites was fishing.  Whether it be summer fishing or ice fishing.  He enjoyed going up to the camp come spring.  One time, he had quite the battle with Muskrat Rapids: for those that don't know, we all dread going by Muskrat during low water and they run for about 1/2 km  Anyways, he survived the rapids along with his crew, but had no fin whatsoever by the time he reached the top of the rapids.  He just laughed and laughed about it.  He had quite the story to tell about that adventure.

Because he loved the outdoors, he was very compassionate about saving the environment.  He disliked changes made by companies to the river system.  And felt more strongly about it when it would impact our river system.  He would make sure he had his say whenever he felt projects may disrupt the environment.  He also got himself into trouble because of his beliefs.  But he taught us a lesson.  If we believe in something, do something.  Don't rely on others to do it for you.

Derek was a smart guy; Math and English came natural to him.  He decided one day back in late 2012 to go back and complete his grade 12.  He showed that it is never too late for learning and getting what you want.  He was determined and successfully completed his grade 12 and receive his diploma in 2014.  He was in his glory stepping up the podium to accept his diploma.  His mother, Jemima was especially proud.  We were all proud of his accomplishment.  Despite coming down with H1N1 in 2013 and the complications that arose after that, he completed what he set out to do.

Derek touched many with his sense of humour.  It seems he could bring a smile on your face even when you were feeling down.  That was one of his gifts...and he used it well.  We will all miss this.  That laughter and how his head would roll back in laughter.  As they say laughter is the best medicine and in a sense, we lost some of our medicine on the 16th of January.

Rest in peace, Derek.  We love you and you will be missed by many.

Due to the actual Covid-19 pandemic, the wake and the funeral will be restricted to family members and by invitation only.  We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  All attendees must wear a face mask or face covering, sanitize hands upon arrival and respect social distancing at all times.

Derek will be resting at the Ste. Stephens Anglican Church on Friday, January 21st, 2022 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M.

The funeral will be taking place on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 at 2 P.M. at the same location.

Burial will be taking place at a later date at the Constance Lake Burial Ground.