Jack Dean Sutherland

Jack, or affectionately known as
“Jacky,” was born on Dec. 3, 1937, and
was a lifelong Walla Walla resident. He
was the elder of two children born to
Russell E. and Mary Ann (Allessio) Sutherland. Jack
passed away on Nov. 16, 2014, at Providence St. Mary
Medical Center.

He attended Sharpstein Elementary School and in
the eight grade transferred to St. Patrick’s Catholic
School from which he graduated in 1956. While Jack
was in high school he participated in basketball and
football and continued his love of sports through his
entire life. He was a trivia expert when it came to
sports and could name nearly any player in any year
on any team in any position. He took great pride in
that ability and often challenged his friends to keep
up with him. Jack was an avid participant in local
bowling leagues, slow pitch softball, city league basketball
and regular rounds of golf. Until the last
few years, he could be seen pacing up and down the
sidelines at most DeSales football games and in the
stands at their basketball games cheering on his alma
mater.

Jack continued his education attending Washington
State University and Eastern Washington University
before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960.
During his two years of active duty he was stationed
at Fort Ord, Calif., for basic training and then on to
Fort Riley, Kan., as a supply officer for the remainder
of his service time. He came home in 1962 and
served in the Army Reserves until he was honorably
discharged in 1966.

Shortly after returning home from his time in the
service, Jack was asked by friends to sub on a mixed
doubles bowling team. It was then he met Nancy Irwin
and his “bachelor days” came to an end. He and
Nancy were married on Nov. 28, 1964, in Milton-
Freewater. They would have celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary this year. In May 1971, they
were blessed with their son, Steven.

Also following this return home from active duty,
Jack, along with his cousin Jerry Stalder, joined his
father, Russ, and uncle, Norman Baldwin, in the family
construction business, Baldwin & Sutherland Paving.

Jack and Jerry would continue to work together
for over 40 years. After spending over 20 years as
partner in B&S Paving, which was sold in 1985, Jack
then served as project manager for Transtate Asphalt
Co. in Walla Walla until his retirement in 2009. His
goal, professionally, was to make each construction
project for which he was responsible a positive experience
for everyone involved and a valuable opportunity
to make lasting friendships. He accomplished that
goal many times over.

Jack never met a stranger. He had a very charismatic
personality and could carry on a conversation and
joke with most anyone he met. His smile and laughter
were contagious and when he told a joke the funniest
part was watching him laugh before he ever got
to the punch line. Jack was truly committed to his
family and friends. He was so very faithful in staying
connected with all of those who were important in
his life.

“Jacky” left very large footprints on many people’s
hearts and will be greatly missed by all of his family
and friends for his loyalty, his incredible sense of humor,
his infectious laugh, his great smile and most of
all for his loving and caring heart.

He is survived by Nancy, his wife for nearly 50 years;
and his son, Steven. Jack is also survived by his
sister, Lanna Stemmer and her husband Dave; his
niece, Laura (Kevin) Smith nad her children Ashlyn,
Mairyn, Noah and Owen; and his special cousins,
Peggy and Jerry Stalker and Don and JoAnn Bocol.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

A Rosary will be said at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3,
2014, at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec.
4, 2014, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Church. Interment will follow at Mountain View
Cemetery with a luncheon following at St. Francis
Parish Hall located next to the church. Memorial
contributions may be made through the funeral home
to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Walla Walla
Community Hospice or the charity of your choice.