Obituary for Longtime Melrosian Thomas M. Sutherland

[Editor's note: The following obituary is from the Robinson Funeral Home website.]

Thomas M. Sutherland, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013 at Mass General Hospital in Boston, at age 69.

Tom was born on June 16, 1944 in Brunswick, Maine, one of three children of the late Fred W. Sutherland and Rita (Beauregard) Sutherland. Originally from Brunswick, Tom lived in Quincy before moving to Melrose and graduating from Melrose High School with the Class of 1962. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Engineering. He worked as a civil engineer and project manager for several years before finding his life's calling as a woodcarver and painter.

Tom had many passions in life and embraced every interest with unwavering confidence. Always calm, Tom never met a challenge too big. His interests varied widely from painting and woodworking, to playing the guitar and piano. He loved sailing, sports cars, travelling with his family across Europe, the Red Sox and Patriots, and golfing at Mt Hood. Although a man with many interests, family always came first. Tom was a devoted husband, and cherished his 4 children and 2 young grandchildren.

Tom was a talented and creative man who had an innate ability to use his hands, and the confidence to be successful in everything he did. When he was given a woodworking set, he soon made himself into a professional sign maker. He quickly built a reputation as an excellent craftsman, and produced thousands of signs for restaurants all over the world. He was contracted with several national and international restaurant chains including Joe's Crab Shack and Bennigan's restaurants for many years. His signs continue to hang as a testament to his woodcarving ability in Melrose at Memorial Hall, the Melrose Public Library, the Milano Senior Center and Beebe Estate.

Tom also had a passion for painting, and especially enjoyed using watercolors, oils and acrylics. He often found himself painting streetscapes across the North Shore and of course his hometown, Melrose. He often displayed his work at area art shows and was known for his live painting performances to classical music. Tom also taught painting classes for the last several years, and his classes were a regular sight in front of Melrose City Hall. He found great joy in watching his students succeed, and they in turn loved having him as a teacher. Tom was a member of many area art groups including the Malden Sketch Group, NorthShore Arts Association, Concord Art Association, Rockport Art Association, and was the former President of the Melrose Arts and Cultural Association and the Reading Art Association.

Tom was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary's Church. With his strong faith and woodworking knowledge, Tom built the altar table and painted the Stations of the Cross during the recent Church renovations.

Tom handled his sickness with courage, and grace under pressure. He never complained and set an example with his determination. He was so proud of his children, cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, and his love will live on in their hearts forever.

Tom will be lovingly remembered as the beloved husband of Janet G. (Welch) Sutherland with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Devoted father of Christopher T. Sutherland of Melrose, Amy E. Fahy and her husband Kieran of Quincy, Sarah G. Ste. Marie and her husband Michael of Melrose, and Abigail E. Gall and her husband Michael of Melrose. Dear brother of Freda A. Manella of Ft. Myers, FL, and William L. Sutherland of Columbia, MI. Dear brother-in-law of Jack Welch and his wife Jean of Melrose, Polly M. Shea and her husband Dan of Medford, and the late Maureen Welch. Loving grandfather of Grace E. Fahy and Rory Ste. Marie.

Relatives and friends will honor and remember Tom's life by gathering during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, December 27 from 4-8 PM and again on Saturday at 9 AM before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in Tom's honor may be made to St. Mary's Church Building Fund, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose, MA 02176.