Obituary of Robert Sutherland

Bob “Suds” Sutherland of Calgary beloved husband of Daurel Sutherland, passed away last Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the age of eighty years. All his family were with him. The last powder cowboy is gone. Several weeks ago he became critically ill while returning from his beloved Rabbit Hill Ski Area in Edmonton. He had spent a great day with his son Jim. Bob was a much loved man of many dimensions: eye surgeon, contact lens specialist, ski area developer, back country ski pioneer, powder ski inventor and windsurfing enthusiast. He had an incredible capacity for work and an incredible capacity for play. Bob grew up skiing the ravines in Edmonton, taking his passion for the sport through his life, from ski racing to back country skiing. He participated in early explorations of the back country in search of powder skiing including the Rogers Pass, Caribous and Bugaboos. He had a passion for deep powder and spent a lifetime perfecting fat powder skis and adjustable touring bindings, for which he obtained patents in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He developed Rabbit Hill Ski Area in Edmonton, from a single run with a rope tow, powered by a milk truck, to the successful area it is today. Dr. Sutherland was the first Chief of Ophthalmology when the Foothills Hospital opened in 1966. He developed new techniques in manufacturing hard contact lenses and ran a large contact lens practice that touched many people in Calgary. In 19944 he was in a helicopter accident going into the back country and became a paraplegic. The adventures ended but not the enthusiasm. Bob was a power to his family and supported his children in all of their life endeavours. He relied heavily on his wife Daurel who supported him in good times and bad. His wonderfully dry sense of humour and quiet support was a comfort to those around him. He will be greatly missed. Dr. Sutherland is survived by his wife Daurel, their three children Jim (Jane), Francis (Linda) and Patti (Jim) and seven grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father Logan Sutherland, and his mother Helen (Wells) Sutherland of Edmonton. Funeral Services will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 – 8th Street S.W.) on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca. In living memory of Dr. Robert Sutherland, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.