Mr. Lester Sutherland

Sutherland and brother of Jenny Craig and David Sutherland (all deceased). Lester passed away most

peacefully on February 26, 2024, in White Rock surrounded by four generations of family.

Lester is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pauline Sutherland, his son Rayner Sutherland (Pindy

Sutherland), his daughters Vivienne Sutherland, Emma Sutherland (Jim McKenzie), Maria Sutherland

(Lawrence Ryan) and Alyce Sutherland (Stuart Dow); grandchildren Chrystine, Kevin, Jenelle, Elysha,

Rayna, Megan, Cody, Scott, Liam, Evan and Kate and great-grandchildren Aithen, Caius, Octavia,Lejla,

Amina, Jace and Blake.

Lester graduated from the University of Victoria with a B.A. of Education in 1960 and from the University

of UBC with a Masters of English Literature in 1967. He taught elementary and secondary school in

various communities in BC and was a principal with the Delta School District for many years. He was

regarded by his colleagues and students as a kind and gifted educator and mentor. He genuinely loved

children and the childhood experience and sought to make it magical for his children, his students and

later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made significant differences in the lives of so many.

Lester retired from being a school principal in 1982 and went on to work as a bookkeeper until he fully

retired in 2001.

Lester and Pauline met on a blind date orchestrated by someone who saw their unique compatibility of

intelligence, kindness and adventurousness. They fell in love immediately and got married within three

months. Lester was devoted to his family.

Lester’s other great devotion was his spiritual practice of Subud. Lester was the first Canadian to be

opened in Subud. He went on to hold many volunteer roles in Subud, both locally, nationally and

internationally over six decades.

Lester and Pauline volunteered for the Surrey Library Service and the Surrey Food Bank. Lester and

Pauline gave to the community in many other ways, offering a seat at the table at holidays to those

without families, giving comfort to those who were suffering, and offering guidance and assistance to

those in need.

Lester always had many books on the go. He enjoyed memoirs and non-fiction and had a soft spot for

James Harriet stories. He had a passion for baseball and was a keen Blue Jays fan. Lester was an avid

walker and jogger and somehow found the time to balance work, family, Subud, service, learning,

hobbies and fitness. Despite his talents, he was always humble. Kindness and generosity were his core

values and he inspired many to try to live up to his standards. May we honour his memory by aspiring to

embody these values in our own lives.

A celebration of life for Lester will be held at 12PM at First Memorial Funeral Services Fraser Heights

Chapel at 14835 Fraser Highway in Surrey, BC. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Muhammad

Subuh Foundation.