Richard Dean Sutherland

Obituary Richard Dean Sutherland, "Dicko" died on January 16, 2007 at 9PM. He was 63 years old. Dick was born in Mineral, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Guy & Marie Sutherland, his sister, Mary Jane Goodwyn, and his brother, Don Sutherland. Dick is survived by his sister, Joanne & Allen Suver and his brother, David & Loretta Sutherland, 8 nieces & nephews and his L'Arche Community in Tacoma, WA and around the world. He lived in the layers of life making his home in L'Arche Tahoma Hope Community calling forth brothers and sisters from previous strangers until he had friends on almost every continent. He was an educator of hearts and a healer. A master of ceremony, ritual, and celebration, he savored life and was disciplined in all things but sweets. He poured out his life for his friends blessing them with his diversity of gifts: his sense of humor, tenderness, exuberance, spontaneity, his welcome, and hospitality. A very perceptive man, he was often quick to sense a particular need in another and swift to respond with compassion and selfless generosity. He dreamed big and did not let details deter him from the larger scheme. He traveled to Europe twice, once for a pilgrimage to Lourdes and another time to visit friends. He was steadfast in his faithfulness to relationships and made long cross-country trips to see dear friends, many times being honored by accepting special roles in their weddings. He was a man of deep faith who began and ended each day with prayer. For many years he was an altar server at L'Arche, Saint John of the Woods, and Sacred Heart Catholic church, and was in regular attendance at Saint Leo, sitting up front where he could be as close as possible to the altar and the priests. His work on L'Arche Farm and Gardens was legendary. He was an expert at sowing, weeding, and pruning. As his health and strength deteriorated his work ethic did not, and he would show up everyday helping in everyway that he could, cheering on his co-workers and participating in the paper making production. His totally creative and inspiring life leaves one doubting if true intelligence can ever really be measured accurately as there seem to be no tools to assess skill levels for relationship, the ability to forgive and renew friendships, and to celebrate and to mourn appropriately in every season. We would not have changed a single thing about him, for in everyday with him whether easy or challenging, stories were formed that fed our souls and continue to do so. Dick's Community would like to thank Multi-Care Hospice, his friend and physician Dr. Van Buskirk. The vigil will be held on Friday, January 19th 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 20th 5:00 PM. Both services will be at St. Leo Catholic Church, 710 S. 13th St. Dick's family requests that donations be made to LTHC (L'Arche Tahoma Hope Community).