Obituary of Murray Hughes Sutherland

SUTHERLAND, Murray Hughes – Murray died at Bluewater Health, Palliative Care on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the age of 59. Beloved son of the late T. Hughes and Mary Sutherland. Dear brother of Lisa Fraser (Dean) and Tom Sutherland (Heather). Uncle of Ellie Fraser (Owen Carson), Tom Fraser (Laura Whaley), Carly Sutherland (Sébastien Turini) and Meg Sutherland. Great uncle of Frances and Jasper Carson and Wesley Fraser.

Sports were a constant in Murray’s life. He loved car racing and attended the Molson Indy several times. He could always be coaxed into a conversation about the recent Formula One race. He was also a well-known volunteer, dedicating much of his time to the Kidney Foundation. He joined the Sarnia-Lambton branch in 2003, became treasurer in 2007 and President in 2009/10. For 20 years he was the Chairperson for the local Kidney Walk. And in 2009, the Kidney Foundation of Ontario presented Murray with the Outstanding Volunteer Award. 

More recently, Murray joined the local branch of the Lions club so that he could support Lions Camp Dorset which was his home away from home and happy place.  Lions Camp Dorset offers deserving vacations to dialysis patients and their families.  In the Lions club Murray was the key promoter of the pop tab collection program and had many people from across the city dropping off tabs to his house.  It was not uncommon for Murray to transport 20, 5 gallon buckets of tabs up to the camp in a year.   Murray also started the Annual Camp Dorset Curling Bonspiel in Stratford which will see its fifth year next year.  In March 2023, Murray was given a Certificate of Honourary Life Directorship by the camp. He was truly in his element when he stayed there. His recognizable, soft smile and ability to turn a joke will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.  

Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Lions Camp Dorset, P.O. Box 306, 1087 Camp Dorset Rd., Dorset, ON., P0A 1E0.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sarnia Yacht Club, 1220 Fort Street, Point Edward, Ontario.