WEST ENFIELD – Clair E. Sutherland Sr., 89, husband of Geraldine (Severance) Sutherland, passed away peacefully July 24, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born Feb. 24, 1920, in Carroll, the son of Archie and Mary (Osgood) Sutherland. Clair was a graduate of Lee Academy, where he was a member of the boy’s basketball team. He was employed by Lincoln Pulp and Paper for 40 years, retiring from the mill in 1986. Clair was a member of United Methodist Church, Lincoln. He was a good, Christian man and was loved by many for his easy-going personality. He was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and loved to watch high school sports, in which his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and had a general love of the outdoors. Up until the time of his death, Clair could be found outside, rain or shine, tending to his precious garden. In addition to his beloved wife of 69 years, Geraldine of West Enfield, he is survived by their four children, Clair Sutherland Jr. and his wife, Carole, of Lyman, Gloria (Sutherland) McCloskey and her husband, James, of West Enfield, Eugene Sutherland and his wife, Annabell, and John Sutherland and his wife, Lori, all of Lincoln; and two brothers, Ray Sutherland and his wife, Marilyn, of Lincoln and Barry Sutherland and his wife, Joyce, of Enfield. Clair was a wonderful grandfather to 13 grandchildren and their spouses, Michael Sutherland and his wife, Susan, Kimberly Sturgeon and her husband, Mitchell, Robert Sutherland and his wife, Heather, Patricia Cloukey and her husband, Timothy, Pamela McGinn and her husband, Jeffrey, James McCloskey and his wife, Mary, Laurie Lachance and her husband, Roch, Tammy Sutherland, Kevin Sutherland and his wife, Ann, Wendy Sutherland and her fiance, David Finlay, John Sutherland, Michelle Worster and her husband, Joseph, and Jennifer Solomon and her husband, Joseph. Clair had 28 great-grandchildren, whom he cherished, T.J. and Tricia, Travis and Alicia, Justin and Jessica, Heidi and Brad, Kylie and Chris, Molly, Casey, Joe, Rocky, Audrey and Jon, Erika, Josh, Travis, Trevor, Jensen, Leah, Grady, Lydia, Tayla, Emily, Clayton, Nathan, Jessica, Rebecca, Amy, Zach, Marissa and Alex. Three little girls were lucky enough to call him great-great-grampy, Kaelyn, Juliana and Layla. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Clayton, Osgood, Paul, Perley and Guy; and two sisters, Betty McDunnah and Charlene Stanley. Clair will be missed by many who loved him dearly. Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 27, at Lincoln Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bruce Young officiating. A reception for friends and family will be held at United Methodist Church, Lincoln, immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to United Methodist Church, 16 Lee Road, Lincoln, ME 04457. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. For an online guest register and to leave written condolences, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
CLAIR E. SUTHERLAND SR.
