John Bernard “Hoss” Sutherland sailed into calmer waters peacefully on May 21st, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by love. A fisherman at heart and soul, Dad spent much of his life on the water — where the tides, the boats, and the salt air were as much a part of him as his unmistakable laugh and generous spirit. Whether hauling traps, sharing stories on the wharf, or simply watching the ocean, the sea was where he felt most at peace.
Born on September 26th, 1953, in Inverness. John was a son of the late Elizabeth (MacDonald) and Alex Sr. Sutherland. He was predeceased by his brothers, Barry and Jimmy Sutherland, and by his lifelong best friend, John Archie MacDonald.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply; his children, Darlene (Judd), Jonathan (Abbey), Virginia, and Crystal (Joey); the mother of his children, Theresa MacLellan; and his cherished grandchildren, Bret, Danni, Bree, Brody, Kenzie, Liam, Ceilidh, Oliver, and Remi, who brought endless pride and joy to his life.
John is also survived by his siblings, Charlie (Merebeth), Betty Anne (Doug) Cameron, Sandra (the late Donald) MacDonald, Duncan (Bonnie), Ludy (Selina), Eldon (Darlene), Alex (the late Mary), Francis (Charlene), and Peter (Sandra); as well as his sisters-in-law, Brenda and Mary MacMillan; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fellow fishermen whose lives were made better by knowing him.
Nearly 50 years ago, Dad bought his lobster license, later adding his crab license in 1985. Along the way, he fished tuna and just about anything else that allowed him to spend time on the sea he loved so deeply. When his children grew old enough to join him on the water, he proudly shared his love for the ocean and taught them everything he knew — lessons about fishing, hard work, resilience, and respect for the water.
His grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life. With them, his playful and mischievous spirit truly shone. Whether it was teasing, telling stories, sharing laughs, or pulling endless pranks, Papa had a way of making every moment memorable and every grandchild feel deeply loved.
As the years passed and his health became more challenging, he was forced to step away from life on the ocean, but the ocean never left his heart. Even off the water, he remained a fisherman in every sense of the word — strong, humble, hardworking, and deeply connected to the sea and the community he loved. In later years, he also developed a deep love for harness racing and could often be found at the racetrack, enjoying the excitement, friendships, and stories shared along the rail. Whether by the water or at the track, Hoss was happiest surrounded by good people, laughter, and conversation.
We would like to take this time to thank the staff at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for their care. They went above and beyond to make sure Hoss was as comfortable as could be. We especially appreciate the kindness and patience they showed him — laughing at all his jokes, putting up with his endless pranks, and treating him with such compassion and dignity throughout his stay.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Port Hood & Area Resting Place. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
“A fisherman never dies — he simply sails into calmer waters.”
"Gone Fishin" - JBS
