Vernon Dean Sutherland

Vernon Dean Sutherland passed away May 7th in Spokane, WA. Dean was born on the Morgan homestead near Benge, WA. He was the 1st of 4 children born to Bill & Gladys (Morgan) Sutherland.

Dean spent his early years in the Benge area. In 1936 the family moved to the farm near Washtucna. He graduated in 1949 and attended the University of Idaho.

Dean and Doreen Cameron were married January 27, 1951 in Washtucna. They settled in Portland, Ore. where he managed an automotive shop, then in Palouse, WA employed by RA Hanson.

In 1961 Dean returned to farming near Lamont, where he was a member of the Lamont Community Church, Lamont Grain Growers, and leader in the Lamont 4-H club. The family moved to the family farm near Washtucna in 1973.

He retired in 2003, and the land is now being farmed by his grandson Jacob.

Dean was a member of the Washtucna Community Church, Lions Club and bowling leagues. In his retirement he took up golfing, spending many days on the Ritzville Golf Course. He also had a 12-year run at Bloomsday and enjoyed being called a “Bloomie”.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth (Bud) Sutherland, sisters Patsy Chandler and Joan Kenning.

He is survived by his wife Doreen, Children: David Sutherland of Washtucna, Paula (Dick) Coon of Pullman, Pamela Sutherland of Washtucna, Judy (Jeff) Sitton of St. John, and Susan Sutherland of Bryan, Texas. Grandchildren: Aisha (Kelly) Hanson of Palmer, Alaska; Paul (Bridget) Coon of Benge, WA; Audra (Will) Christianson of Harrington, WA; Heather (Jeremiah) Johnson of Spokane Valley, WA; Jacob (Tracee) Sitton of Washtucna; Wyatt (Lauren) Sitton of Washtucna. Dean has 17 Great Grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 21st at 11 am in the Washtucna Community Church, followed by a luncheon at the Rimrock Grange Hall. Interment will be later.

Condolences can be left at http://www.danekasfh.com. Memorials can be made to Spokane Jail Ministries, PO Box 9791 Spokane, WA 99209, the Washtucna Pioneer Cemetery, 165 S. Main, or Washtucna Fire Dept. 175 S. Main St. Washtucna, WA 99371.