Obituary for Alvin Joseph Sutherland
ALVIN JOSEPH SUTHERLAND Jr.
July 26, 1973 – September 15, 2022
It is with deep sadness and profound grief that the family of AlvinJoseph Sutherland Jr. (49) announce his passing on Thursday 15 September, 2022 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.
Born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton to parents predeceased Alvin Joseph Dearning Sutherland and Sharon (Gord) Foxon, Alvin cherished his birthplace and the relationships with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his four siblings: Lynette (Kevin) Mackay, Stephen (Chantel), Bill (Sandy) and Shawn (Amanda), and his nephews: Tyler, Malcolm, Michael, Kaleb and Ethan.
Alvin began his education at Salisbury School, then Frontenac School before graduating high school at Pierre Radisson Collegiate in 1992. The acceptance to DeVry Institute in Calgary meant a move for Alvin in 1993. He completed one year and then returned to Winnipeg where he resided for the remainder of his life.
Alvin was a helper, and his employment aspirations and history reflected his commitment and calling for people to feel welcomed, safe, and accepted. Alvin was employed by several security guard outfits in various locations throughout Winnipeg. He was dependable, hardworking, punctual and would often be the first person to take on shifts that needed to be filled.
Living with mental health challenges and diagnosis did not define him; losing his left leg did not slow him down, nor did a stroke, multiple heart attacks and recently losing his sight blur his focus on wanting the most out of life. His resilience was a beacon of hope. No matter what challenge came his way, he was relentless in finding solutions. He advocated for himself in a heroic manner and when he needed assistance, he had courage to trust others with his story. It was clear whether it was neighbours, social workers, doctors, crisis counsellors, pharmacists, friends, or family, Alvin was committed to his recovery journey. Alvin never wanted pity, he chased after connection and belonging.
Relationships trumped possessions as Alvin was energized by listening to people and sharing time with whomever needed it. Alvin genuinely loved his friends, both near and far. You would find his closest friends around a table playing Pathfinder or D & D for hours and sometimes days at a time. Alvin was in his element when he was gaming. Alvin cultivated these friendships by caring deeply, a gifted listener, empathetic and insightful when asked to give his opinion. It was his closest friends that became family. They celebrated birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and was always welcome into their homes. When Alvin began living as an amputee, it was his closest friends who adapted space to eliminate any barrier that prevent Alvin from attending.
Alvin’s infectious laugh made you smile and join in the laughter, even when you didn’t know what you were laughing about. The last number of years Alvin became brilliant at one liners and would become an expert at puns. Alvin loved listening to rock music and his favourite station was by far 97.5. Alvin was most happy watching cartoons but loved watching and listening to Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers games. Growing up as kids, Saturday night was always booked for Hockey Night in Canada.
Being with family made his heart sing. Alvin on his final day of life never stopped talking about his love for family and his desire for each one to find comfort and joy in their lives. He would often reminisce about all the shenanigans he got himself into as a child. Growing up in a large family meant you were never by yourself. Alvin loved his family. As a child he wasn’t shy expressing his emotions. In fact, Alvin was the catalyst for many in his family to learn how to share their feelings and later in life come to understand the tremendous courage Alvin had at an early age to display vulnerability. He was a little brother to his sister, who he referred to as “Doe” and a big brother to three others who looked up to him. Alvin enjoyed playing sports with his siblings and was an accomplished athlete in his middle school years. During the summer months, you could find Alvin at the local outdoor pool, enjoying the sun and sipping away at his coveted Slurpee. His favourite foods were those he could order or pick up. Alvin loved to share sweets and often would invite a sibling with him to the store to pick out candy of their choice. Alvin’s generosity knew no limits and Christmas morning was a time where he gave lavishly. All the boys in the family got a turn to share a bedroom with Alvin growing up. One thing you could count on as his roommate was his commitment to staying up late. Whether it was reading a comic book, playing a videogame, or watching television, Alvin pressed the limits on staying up late and paved the way for his younger brothers to enjoy more privilege as the scheduled bedtimes became more liberal.
The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the staff of The Grace General Hospital 3 South, and in particular Dr. Jacob, his final physician and Ms. Leslie Blair, Social Worker who championed his transition from hospital to his personal care home as well as providing family with unparalleled support from the moment of first contact. Though Alvin only lived at Heritage Lodge (PCH) for a short while, the staff welcomed Alvin and provided quality and compassionate care that Alvin desperately needed.
Visitation will take place on September 27, 2022 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street on Tuesday, September 27th 7-8 pm. This will be an opportunity to be with one another and personally say good-bye to this giant of fierce love and grace.
Knowing that the most important day for Alvin in the calendar year was his birthday it is not surprising that Alvin is throwing a birthday party that will be the backdrop in celebrating his life. This Marvel themed birthday gathering will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at The Warehouse (Riverwood) from 2 pm - 5 pm at 270 Gordon Avenue. A short program will start at 2:30 pm and food, games and fun will follow. We hope everyone who was touched by Alvin’s love for life will attend.
A private interment will take place following cremation and Alvin will rest by his father’s side at the St.Vital cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to support: gofundme.com/f/alvin-sutherland-celebration-of-life
“We have to be greater than what we suffer. My wish for you is to become hope. People need that.” – Spiderman
July 26, 1973 – September 15, 2022
It is with deep sadness and profound grief that the family of AlvinJoseph Sutherland Jr. (49) announce his passing on Thursday 15 September, 2022 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.
Born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton to parents predeceased Alvin Joseph Dearning Sutherland and Sharon (Gord) Foxon, Alvin cherished his birthplace and the relationships with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his four siblings: Lynette (Kevin) Mackay, Stephen (Chantel), Bill (Sandy) and Shawn (Amanda), and his nephews: Tyler, Malcolm, Michael, Kaleb and Ethan.
Alvin began his education at Salisbury School, then Frontenac School before graduating high school at Pierre Radisson Collegiate in 1992. The acceptance to DeVry Institute in Calgary meant a move for Alvin in 1993. He completed one year and then returned to Winnipeg where he resided for the remainder of his life.
Alvin was a helper, and his employment aspirations and history reflected his commitment and calling for people to feel welcomed, safe, and accepted. Alvin was employed by several security guard outfits in various locations throughout Winnipeg. He was dependable, hardworking, punctual and would often be the first person to take on shifts that needed to be filled.
Living with mental health challenges and diagnosis did not define him; losing his left leg did not slow him down, nor did a stroke, multiple heart attacks and recently losing his sight blur his focus on wanting the most out of life. His resilience was a beacon of hope. No matter what challenge came his way, he was relentless in finding solutions. He advocated for himself in a heroic manner and when he needed assistance, he had courage to trust others with his story. It was clear whether it was neighbours, social workers, doctors, crisis counsellors, pharmacists, friends, or family, Alvin was committed to his recovery journey. Alvin never wanted pity, he chased after connection and belonging.
Relationships trumped possessions as Alvin was energized by listening to people and sharing time with whomever needed it. Alvin genuinely loved his friends, both near and far. You would find his closest friends around a table playing Pathfinder or D & D for hours and sometimes days at a time. Alvin was in his element when he was gaming. Alvin cultivated these friendships by caring deeply, a gifted listener, empathetic and insightful when asked to give his opinion. It was his closest friends that became family. They celebrated birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and was always welcome into their homes. When Alvin began living as an amputee, it was his closest friends who adapted space to eliminate any barrier that prevent Alvin from attending.
Alvin’s infectious laugh made you smile and join in the laughter, even when you didn’t know what you were laughing about. The last number of years Alvin became brilliant at one liners and would become an expert at puns. Alvin loved listening to rock music and his favourite station was by far 97.5. Alvin was most happy watching cartoons but loved watching and listening to Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers games. Growing up as kids, Saturday night was always booked for Hockey Night in Canada.
Being with family made his heart sing. Alvin on his final day of life never stopped talking about his love for family and his desire for each one to find comfort and joy in their lives. He would often reminisce about all the shenanigans he got himself into as a child. Growing up in a large family meant you were never by yourself. Alvin loved his family. As a child he wasn’t shy expressing his emotions. In fact, Alvin was the catalyst for many in his family to learn how to share their feelings and later in life come to understand the tremendous courage Alvin had at an early age to display vulnerability. He was a little brother to his sister, who he referred to as “Doe” and a big brother to three others who looked up to him. Alvin enjoyed playing sports with his siblings and was an accomplished athlete in his middle school years. During the summer months, you could find Alvin at the local outdoor pool, enjoying the sun and sipping away at his coveted Slurpee. His favourite foods were those he could order or pick up. Alvin loved to share sweets and often would invite a sibling with him to the store to pick out candy of their choice. Alvin’s generosity knew no limits and Christmas morning was a time where he gave lavishly. All the boys in the family got a turn to share a bedroom with Alvin growing up. One thing you could count on as his roommate was his commitment to staying up late. Whether it was reading a comic book, playing a videogame, or watching television, Alvin pressed the limits on staying up late and paved the way for his younger brothers to enjoy more privilege as the scheduled bedtimes became more liberal.
The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the staff of The Grace General Hospital 3 South, and in particular Dr. Jacob, his final physician and Ms. Leslie Blair, Social Worker who championed his transition from hospital to his personal care home as well as providing family with unparalleled support from the moment of first contact. Though Alvin only lived at Heritage Lodge (PCH) for a short while, the staff welcomed Alvin and provided quality and compassionate care that Alvin desperately needed.
Visitation will take place on September 27, 2022 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street on Tuesday, September 27th 7-8 pm. This will be an opportunity to be with one another and personally say good-bye to this giant of fierce love and grace.
Knowing that the most important day for Alvin in the calendar year was his birthday it is not surprising that Alvin is throwing a birthday party that will be the backdrop in celebrating his life. This Marvel themed birthday gathering will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at The Warehouse (Riverwood) from 2 pm - 5 pm at 270 Gordon Avenue. A short program will start at 2:30 pm and food, games and fun will follow. We hope everyone who was touched by Alvin’s love for life will attend.
A private interment will take place following cremation and Alvin will rest by his father’s side at the St.Vital cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to support: gofundme.com/f/alvin-sutherland-celebration-of-life
“We have to be greater than what we suffer. My wish for you is to become hope. People need that.” – Spiderman