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JOHN (IAN) BEATTIE SUTHERLAND
Born: Apr 21, 1932
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2025
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Health Sciences Centre Foundation
JOHN (IAN) BEATTIE SUTHERLAND
Ian passed peacefully, with family by his side, on the morning of January 21, 2025. His illness was brief. He was comfortable. For all these things, we are deeply grateful.
Ian was born in Cultus Lake, BC to George William and Annie Ethylwynne (Nicholson) Sutherland and into an immediate family of two older sisters, Jane (Parker) and Shelagh (Douglas). The extended family had ties of service and employment with Hudson’s Bay Company and worked the Peace River District, farmed in Dauphin and cultivated successful businesses in Winnipeg. Ian’s parents were both deaf which gave him an immediate second language and a unique perspective on disability from an early age. Employment brought the family to Winnipeg where he grew up in the Wolseley District as a self-described “geek”.
Ian met Eva Freko in Winnipeg, growing up in the same neighbourhood and attending the same schools. Young Peoples (United Church youth group) was a special home for both of them. His penmanship was better in his courting years and letters show a deep love of his future wife. Married on December 23, 1955, they began their life together. Scott, Mike and Karen were born during his years of medical training in Winnipeg. Eric followed later in Pinawa. A loving father and husband, the family flourished. Summers split between Gimli, MB and Keewatin, ON provided a wonderful setting for outdoor activity, indoor games and family bonding.
A love of Maths and Physics took him to United College (now University of Winnipeg) where he received an Honours degree in Physics leading to a Master of Physics degree in the Hyperfine Structure of the Cadmium Atom. Ian toyed with the idea of Education, Law or Ministry but was called to Medicine, graduating in 1960 with his Doctor of Medicine. He had a short stint working with Joe Doupe at the University of Manitoba in the Department of Physiology before being pulled to a “company man” position with Atomic Energy of Canada, advising on the medical and biological effects of radiation on population health. He was drawn back to clinical work in 1966 to join the Diagnostic Radiology residency at the University of Manitoba. On graduation, he immediately stepped into clinical work and administration. Ian served as Head of the Section of Nuclear Medicine, Head of the Department of Radiology, and Vice-President, Medicine at the Health Sciences Centre. He served as Chairman for the Canadian Association of Radiologists and was an Inaugural Inductee into the Fellowship of the Canadian Association of Radiology. Additionally, he served the Manitoba Medical Association as President. He achieved the rank of Professor within the University of Manitoba. His CV reflects retirement in 1997. In reality, he worked much longer at Nuclear Medicine Consultants, a private clinic he founded early in his career. He fractured his neck in the winter of 2017, returning to work in 2018 only to fracture his hip in June. He retired September 2018. His clinical career spanned over 50 years.
Young United Church was central in Ian and Eva’s lives. Lifelong members and active participants in the life and work of the church, Young nurtured them, and they served Young. Ian enjoyed all aspects of worship, Mission and Service, and West Broadway community development. As an inner-city ministry, it was a marked contrast to the suburban lives we lived. We are better versions of ourselves for the experience.
“Retirement” in 1997 brought new hobbies and pursuits. Woodworking and church maintenance emerged as new pastimes. He joined the RODEO group (Retired Old Doctors Eating Out). Mostly, however, he enjoyed his time with the true gift of his life, his family. Ian was predeceased by his parents, George and Winnie, his sister Shelagh, his daughter Karen and Eva, his lifelong partner. He is survived by his sister Jane; Scott and Lindsay, Anne and Mark (Madeleine and Maya), Duncan and Katherine (Logan and Lily), Jeff and Lisa (Diana), Laura and Charles (Teddy and Marge); Mike and Donna, Alison, Melanie and Mike (Marlow and Junie), Mark and Maria, Nicola and Liam; Alanna and Adrian (Ava, William and Jane), Liz and Daniel (Asher) and Evelyn; Eric and Donna, Kate and Simon, Andrea, Erin and Erica.
A public celebration of his life will occur on February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Young United Church, 222 Furby Street. A livestream will be available at https://youtube.com/live/4OT4Vy26H_A?feature=share
A private interment in the warmer months will follow.
We are especially thankful for the care provided by the staff and management at Brightwater Senior Living who provided safe comfort for Dad when we were absent. If desired, donations may be made to Young United Church, Health Sciences Centre Foundation or The Winnipeg Foundation.
Ian touched the lives of many people of all stripes. It is our belief that very few people believe the world is a better place now that he has left us.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I had the great pleasure of meeting Ian when I first arrived in Winnipeg in 1977. Although we worked at different hospitals, whenever I saw Ian he was the most gracious gentleman. He was a kind, levelheaded man. When he was head of the Manitoba Association of radiologist he was the best president we ever had. His ability to steer a meeting was unrivaled. Just put 20 or 30 radiologist in one room and you’ll know what I mean. He will be missed. - Posted by: Issie Krongold (work acquaintance) on: Feb 06, 2025
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We were sorry to learn of Ian's passing, and very sorry to have missed the service this morning. We have fond memories of all the Sutherlands at Gimli, especially the baseball challenge that one year. Mom and Dad looked forward to catching up and talking with Eva and Ian every summer. Dad and Ian were lifelong friends. Dad looked forward to lunches with Ian, to catch up on the families and discuss current events, with a few math's or physics brain teasers added as that was their mutual passion. We will remember Dr. Sutherland with great fondness, as he and our Dad were great chums and outstanding gentlemen. Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Please feel free to visit us at Erindale. - Posted by: Kristin, Skuli, and Karen Johnson (Family Friends) on: Feb 01, 2025
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Meeting Ian was one of the finest gifts I received as a result of joining the choir at Young. My wife knew him from her medical training, so I got to know him slowly as I became more involved in church leadership. I will never forget the Sunday he shared the story of some of the critical moments in his life. He titled his talk, "What's Next." It was poignant and utterly candid, and I was in awe of Ian's humility and integrity as he stood there – now somewhat frail, – after a lifetime of amazing achievements, wondering what was next for him in his closing years. I knew that Ian was feeling somewhat lonely and at loose ends when his diminished mobility meant moving to Brightwater. As part of the Care Team at Young I asked if he might wish to go to lunch sometime, to which he readily agreed. We continued to meet for lunch fairly regularly through 2019, and it was a treat to see Ian taking to new food experiences like Popeye's and ramen at Yujiro. He shared many stories of his life and career, and I was deeply honoured and humbled that I'd been given an opportunity to call this man my friend. Then Covid knocked the pins out of that most enjoyable pastime. We spoke by phone from time to time but, as with all things during the pandemic, the vibrancy of face-to-face meeting was missing. The last time we met was in April, 2021. I picked up Popeye's chicken and we were able to enjoy a meal on a patio at Brightwater. One of the hardest things I had to do that spring was let Ian know that we were moving to Nova Scotia in a month. I'd like to think he was as sad as I at that fact. I echo the final sentiment of the obituary, that the world is poorer for Ian's passing. - Posted by: Gord Peters (Friend) on: Jan 31, 2025
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We are saddened to learn of Dr. Sutherland’s passing and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his family (who he talked about regularly with much pride). It was always a pleasure connecting with Dr. Sutherland. His legacy is preserved at the HSC Foundation as a Bannatyne Legacy Circle member. He was a valued ambassador of the Foundation, joining the HSCF Board of Directors in 1997 and serving until 2006. While serving on the Board, he led the research grant allocations process, working to attract high-quality applications and volunteers to review them. His interest in and support of young researchers continued well beyond his formal involvement in the research grant process. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Sutherland’s life and legacy. - Posted by: Irma McKenzie (HSC Foundation) on: Jan 31, 2025
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Ian was a dear friend of almost forty years. He was also a very close friend of my late husband, George. They worked on many projects as part of the Thursday Morning group of five or so at Young United, Crossways in Common keeping the building ship shape. I served on many committees with Ian. He was a wonderful person with a delightful family. When I told my son that Ian had died, Ryan's response was..."Ah yes, if we had a few more Ian Sutherlands around, the world would be a kinder, better place". I will miss him and am so grateful to have had him in my life. My condolences to all of Ian's family - Posted by: KARIN WOODS (friend) on: Jan 29, 2025
