Obituary of Brett Robin Sutherland

Born in New Glasgow, on April 17, 1944 Brett passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

He is survived by Monica Bailie, Woodstock, NB; son, Iain Sutherland, Windsor; daughter, Shelagh Sutherland (Cory), Woodstock, NB and grandson, Connor Sutherland Knowles, Woodstock, NB.

He was predeceased by his father, Henry Charles Sutherland, in 1972; mother, Eleanor Bernice (Loomer) Sutherland in 1998 and sister, Alexandra Mary Sutherland, in 2021.

Brett came from a long line of teachers, something he referred to as "the family curse." Despite blaming heredity, he spent most of his career teaching Industrial Arts at Chester Municipal High School. His classroom taught far more than woodworking and shop skills. For many students, it was a place where they felt welcome. His door was usually open and somehow a radio club managed to take over a storage room that most people would have considered far too small.

Outside of teaching, Brett had more hobbies and interests than most people could keep track of. He was an amateur radio operator known by the call sign VE1EA, raised and bred Arabian horses and spent years announcing horse shows throughout the region. He also built friendships in many different communities and valued people who accepted others without judgment.

Cars were another lifelong passion. Brett was rarely satisfied with leaving machinery the way it came from the factory and especially enjoyed building what the family affectionately called "tire burners" -small cars with entirely unreasonable amounts of horsepower. In Brett's opinion, there was usually room for one more modification and just a little more power.

He approached many projects with a philosophy best summarized as "close enough." Family members learned that finding an extra bolt after a repair was not necessarily cause for concern. Brett also maintained an unwavering faith in the capabilities of duct tape. To most people it was an adhesive product; to Brett it was a building material, a repair kit and occasionally a substitute for proper planning.

Brett will be remembered for his curiosity, ingenuity, generosity and his ability to see possibilities where others saw problems. His family invites those who knew him to remember him by helping someone who needs a place to belong, learning a new skill, finishing a long-delayed project - or at least getting it close enough.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service. 419 Albert St., Windsor (902) 798-8317. In keeping with Brett's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations in memory of Brett may be made to your local SPCA. Messages to the family may be sent by visiting: www.demontfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.