Laurie, left, and Jim Sutherland, Joan Norris, Mayor Tammy Burke, Hugh Norris, Linda Richardson, Councillor Len Phillips and Councillor Randy Brown pictured following the street-naming ceremony. (Photo: Marina Kulich/Town of Rocky Mountain House)

By rdnewsNOW staff

cherished community members

Rocky Mountain House renames street in honour of beloved couple

Oct 1, 2019 | 1:57 PM

The Town of Rocky Mountain House held a special ceremony on Monday to celebrate the renaming of 54 Street in honour of Fred and Margaret Sutherland.

“At all times, Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland lived with integrity, demonstrating respect for each other, their friends, family members and their community,” said Mayor Tammy Burke. “They were true community builders, and Rocky Mountain House was lucky to have them for as long as we did.”

Burke was joined by Joan Norris and Jim Sutherland, two of Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland’s children, to unveil a memorial plaque at the intersection of Sutherland Drive (54 St.) and 52 Ave.

“As a family, we are especially thankful that the Town has chosen to remember both Mom and Dad in the naming of Sutherland Drive,” said Norris. “To us, they were the epitome of what a true partnership should be: each rejoicing in the other’s accomplishments, each supporting and encouraging the goals of the other and together, always together, embracing life as an adventure.”

Rocky Mountain House Town Council chose earlier this year to rename 54 St. in recognition of the Sutherlands’ contributions to both the Town and Canada.

charges pending

Red Deer RCMP arrest two individuals following ramming of police vehicle

5h ago

Riverside Drive & southbound 67 Street

Red Deer temporary road closure of street ramp on Saturday

5h ago

breach

Town of Ponoka gives cybersecurity update: investigation ongoing

5h ago

The Sutherlands were long-time residents of Rocky Mountain House. Fred retired as Superintendent of the Rocky Clearwater Forest Area in 1986. Margaret was a professional weaver and artist with works displayed around the world.

In 1943, Fred played a pivotal role in the Second World War Dambusters mission of the 617 squadron. At the age of 21, he served as the front gunner in the aircraft that broke the Eder Dam in May 1943, crippling Nazi efforts in the Second World War.

Fred and Margaret married the day after he returned from war. Together, they raised three children and were married for 73 years.

Margaret Sutherland lived from Nov. 21, 1922 to Sept. 3, 2017. Fred Sutherland lived from Feb. 26, 1923 to Jan. 21, 2019.

(Town of Rocky Mountain House)