Obituary of Frederick J. Sutherland

Fred Sutherland of Killingworth, formerly of Haddam, went peacefully to his heavenly home Thursday, January 10th. He was the loving husband of Virginia (Adams) Sutherland and father of their only child, Sean. Fred was born in Newton, Mass, one of eight children, to Richard and Edith Sutherland.  He grew up in Newton, graduating from Newton High. He served his country proudly during the Korean War as a member of the US Army. A graduate of Boston University, Fred first taught physical education at Holbrook High where he coached football and met his wife, Ginny. Fred was recruited to Valley Regional High School in Deep River, 1970, to start the football team and to teach Physical Education. He loved “his boys” and over the course of 38 years coached football, baseball, and golf.  An accomplished and avid golfer, Fred spent much of his free time on the golf course. However, he always made time for chores around the horse farm where he and Ginny bred and raised several Morgan horses. For ten years Fred and Ginny spent summers at their farm in Sheffield, Vt. where city raised Fred, mastered the art of haying, making maple syrup, and organic gardening. Sean came into the Sutherland family in 1989 and Fred began the journey of fatherhood. He was a wonderful dad; loving, forgiving, patient, and most importantly, modeling his love for and reliance on the word of God. Fred loved the Lord and was instrumental in preparing the site where his church, Valley Bible, now stands. Fred is predeceased by his parents and six of his siblings. He is survived by his wife and son, his sister, Martha Clarke and her husband Bob of Worcester Mass, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, January 19th at 11:00 AM at VBEFC, 220 Turkey Hill Rd, Haddam. In leu of flowers donations may be made to the VBEFC Youth group or HK Backpack Program.