Matthew Sutherland

Passing peacefully, and as much on his own terms as is possible, Matthew Wylie Leitch Sutherland shuffled off this mortal coil on November 23rd, 2022.  Matt leaves behind his cherished and eternally patient wife Eileen, devoted daughters, Paula and Karen, son-in-law Tariq, sister Jean Boland, Mary Leitch (aunt), many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, a vast legion of fans, and of course wee Georgie. Matthew is predeceased by Ella Sutherland (mother), Elizabeth Painter (sister) and Robert Sutherland (brother). The family is deeply grateful for the support of Desmond and Chrissy Tighe (niece and nephew), and Ross Painter (nephew) during this difficult time.

Born and bred in Glasgow, Scotland, Matt trained as a plasterer at the Glasgow College of Building and Printing. Leaving behind family and friends, (and his beloved Celtic FC), he immigrated to Canada on the Empress of Canada with his wife and daughter in search of a better life.

His lifelong love of ships and all things nautical did not stop with the journey to Canada, as many holiday cruises with his wife, and family followed. He traveled extensively with Eileen all over the world, and it was a great comfort to him to revisit those happy memories during tougher times.

Matt believed in the value of education and in setting the right example for others. He demonstrated this through his work as a driver trainer, his professional upgrading at McMaster University, his work as a motivational speaker, and as a mentor and role model to others who needed direction and guidance.

Matt had the quickest of wits, and an encyclopedic knowledge of jokes for any occasion (and a few for no occasion whatsoever, although he still managed to get away with it.) It’s a blessing to have so many of our best memories of him and our times together to be full of laughter.

Matthew was renowned for his big heart, and generous nature. His devotion to his family was endless, and his care for those he could help will be an enduring legacy of his time on this earth.

The family has requested no flowers, but if you wish to honour Matthew’s memory, he supported several worthy charities including the Hamilton Food Bank, https://hamiltonfoodshare.org, Operation Smile https://secure.operationsmile.ca and The Good Shepherd Wrap neighbours in warmth, love, and hope this Christmas. - Good Shepherd Centres

As a man who disliked forced formality and funerals in general, there will be no memorial. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, we invite you to share your memories here, or with the family directly, and to remember Matt as the exuberant force of nature that he was. He will be terribly missed.