ARNOLD CHESTER SUTHERLAND
January 15, 1941 - January 23, 2009
Arnie passed away at Shuswap Lake General Hospital with his family by his side on Friday January 23 2009 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Arnie was born in Vernon BC. He spent part of his childhood living in Prince George, and as a teenager moved back to the Grandview Flats area living with his Auntie Iva. After highschool Arnie found employment at Vernon Motors GM, where he later apprenticed as a mechanic. In the 1960s Arnie began working as a mechanic for BC Hydro’s construction department and moved to Salmon Arm in 1970 working as a materials handler and truck driver. He was employed there until his retirement in 2001.
Arnie was predecessed by his father Ivan, Auntie Iva Surkan, brother-in-law John Cokran, and father-in-law John Shirley. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, daughter Alisa, son Ryan (Jess,) sister Loretta Cokran and family, mother-in-law Helen Shirley, and brother-in-law Ian Shirley (Kathie) and family. He will also be greatly missed by numerous special lifelong friends and former co-workers.
A celebration of Arnie’s life will be held on Saturday January 31 2009 at the Senior’s 5th Avenue Activity Centre in Salmon Arm from 1 pm - 4 pm. Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129, E-mail condolences to fischers@sunwave.net.t