KEITH GORDON SUTHERLAND

Keith Gordon Sutherland passed away March 3, 2009 at the age of 87 following a precipitous decline in the last months of an otherwise vital and healthy life.
He was a gentle, kind, generous, and strong man with a delightful, inquisitive spirit and his passing is mourned by those privileged to have encountered him during his life journey.
He was predeceased by his father, John Henry; mother, Kathleen (nee Lewis); and brothers, Peter and John.
Keith is survived by his wife, Laura (nee Belluz), whom he courted until the day he died and with whom he shared a profound and generous love.
He also is survived by his five children, John, Barbara, Gordon, Brian, and Penny and their spouses, Wendy, George, Lee, and Vivian; his grandchildren, Christopher, Andrea and husband, Scott, and daughter, Emma, Kara, Adam, Paul, Nathan, Keith, Giles and his wife, Ashleigh, Erin, Emily, Andrew, Mackenzie, and Alexandra.
Born and raised in Schomberg, Ont., Keith lived most of his adult life in Fort Frances, Ont., where he and Laura were respected owners and operators of the Fort Frances Bakery and developers of real estate.
Keith was an honorary life member of Rotary International, and received the Paul Harris Award for exemplary service.
His big, gentle, always helping hands seemed an external reflection of what he carried in his heart as evidenced by his volunteerism with The Salvation Army and other charities.
A United Church elder through most of his life, he was esteemed for the quality of his character and defined by the shape and substance of his soul. He was an “old-fashioned gentleman” whose respect and good opinion one always hoped to merit.
A student of Canadian history and an avid reader, Keith maintained a healthy curiosity about all of life. His quick, mischievous grin and delightful whistle were known by everyone in town.
He dedicated countless hours as a children’s reading tutor, believing strongly in the value of education.
He leaves a vacuum in the world that will never be filled again.
Funeral services took place March 7, 2009.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation for their “Well Baby” program, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
“Life, if well lived, is long enough.”