FOND FAREWELL TO HUGH SUTHERLAND

Everyone has been so incredibly kind and generous in giving of themselves when I reached out on behalf of Karen.  I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you.  I knew Hugh was in the hospital for a night just days before his unexpected passing.  I've re-read the emails we exchanged and I cherish the words, "Hugh says hi."  I was concerned but I never expected to read the email that Karen later shared in the comments.

Karen has come to mean so much to many of us.  Yvonne said it best.  "I feel like she is a part of my family."  Me, too. The manner in which Hugh slipped away is eerily reminiscent of what happened back in July of 2007 when my dad died.  A little piece of my heart died that night in July and another little piece died on Friday night when I read Karen's email.  I know her words have impacted my mom.  She read them through her own tears, sharing with me, "I understand, I did exactly those same things.  I felt the same way."

I know he will be missed by many, and no one will miss him more than karen, TC.  You are cherished and treasured by many, karen and we are all holding you close in the days and weeks ahead.  xoxox

Hugh's obituary as it appears in the paper is below:

THE DAILY RECORD

Hugh James Sutherland

AGE: 69 • Morris Twp.

Hugh James Sutherland passed away Sunday, May, 5, 2013 in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 69. Hugh was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1943. He graduated from Henry Ford Community College in 1961 and Eastern Michigan University in 1965 with a degree in Marketing. He went on to law school and graduated from The University of Detroit Law School in 1973. Hugh had a long and distinguished career for over thirty years at AT&T as a manager, attorney and lobbyist. He started his career at Michigan Bell as a supervisor in telephone operations and moved to Bell Laboratories in New Jersey as an attorney in the late 1970's. He assumed a position as District Manager of External Affairs at AT&T corporate headquarters in New York City in the early 1980's and relocated to AT&T in Basking Ridge, New Jersey in 1984. He held various positions there in State Regulatory Matters and External Affairs. He retired from AT&T in 1998. 

Hugh was a true gentleman who adored his family. He loved sharing his great love of nature with his children and grandchildren, especially the moon and the stars. His daily walks at dusk with his beloved, Karen, with a stop at Starbucks was a given. Many a barista became a fast friend. Hugh was always up for a game of Scrabble and was a true New York Times crossword puzzle aficionado. He personified his appreciation for the simple things of ordinary days, living life with Karen in joy and contentment. His death leaves us bereft and lost; but the life he led shines a bright light that will help us find our way.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Karen; his son, Adam and his wife Tina; his daughter, Sarah; his grandchildren, Brian, Rachael, Ashley and Alexandra; his beloved canine companion, Sadie; his brother, William and his sister, Janie as well as their families. Hugh was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Anne. He also had a special place in his heart for his surrogate granddaughter, Juliana, and her parents, Chris and Lauren whom he loved dearly.

A memorial to honor and celebrate Hugh's life will be held at a later date to be decided upon by his family. Memorial contributions in Hugh's name may be made to Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation with Multiple Myeloma in the memo of the check in order to designate the funds. The mailing address is 360 Essex Street, Suite 301, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.