Sara Marsh (Tytor) Rumford, RI – Posted On: October 29, 2016

Chantelle and Andrea,
You have my deepest condolences.
We spent many happy times at the Mead Lake cabin, with you and your parents; the winter of flying kites on the ice was a fond memory for me. I will remember your dad as a kind and ferociously cool man, that asked more questions than he answered, and wasn't content with my sullen "because" as a response. Thanks to Gil's finesse with us, with a camera, and a beautiful fall day, we have some of the best photos of us with my mom in the fall of '79, the ones she loved the most.
I'm grateful my dad for became friends with yours and bestowing the magic of the Sutherland family on us.
Rest well, Gil.

Cathie (Olson) Schafer Birchwood, wi – Posted On: October 26, 2016

To the daughters of Mr. Sutherland. I was so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I attended NHS and graduated in "69. I had your dad for a teacher and I remember his height and size always kind of scared me. I do remember him being a fair man and I learned much from him. One of my favorite memories of your dad was getting to know him as a person, versus a teacher at one of our class reunions. He sat across from me at the dinner and I so enjoyed our conversation. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers!

Ray Scott Sherman Vero Beach, Florida – Posted On: October 24, 2016

I was with Gil all the way from elementary school, high school and Lawrence all four years. His sense of humor was very droll and there was often such a glint in his eye when he was up to something. I can't forget seeing him rise out of a casket-like box at some silly Lawrence event playing his flute and looking very serious as all observers broke up in laughter. His football skills were outstanding at both Riverside and Lawrence. I believe he made All-Conference first team at guard in 1956 and was outstanding at Lawrence as well. I left for USAF duty at graduation and did not know of his years of teaching and coaching until now. I'm certain he was a gift to his students and athletes. Bon voyage, Gil; well played.

Gary Scovel Minocqua, WI – Posted On: October 23, 2016

Gil and I were Lawrance room mates for three years. Lawrance provided just the two of us a free tiny room in the gymnasium. In return we competed in football and track. Gil was a perfectionist in everything he did, especially academics, me not so much. Gil did his best to keep me on the straight and narrow. Without his steadying influence I'm not sure I ever would have graduated. It took a little longer but I finally did. Thanks for your help Gil.

Peter Horvath Greenville,Wi – Posted On: October 21, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to your family. I spent this last fall at Boyd's with Gil. I'll miss him and so will my entire family. Gil taught my kids how to balance a spoon on their nose and it's been a tradition at Boyd's ever since that day over 12 years ago. We always had to read his shirts which were filled with comical statements and phrases. God bless him and his family. He's got some giant Muskess to catch up in heaven.

Jeanne Achter Folet Neenah, WI – Posted On: October 21, 2016

Respected home room teacher at Neenah High School.

Jeanne Achter Folet Neenah, WI – Posted On: October 21, 2016

Respected home room teacher at Neenah High School.

Gerard Stocco Naperville, Illinois – Posted On: October 20, 2016

Funny I never knew Gil as gloomy, a realist perhaps, and in that, comfortable always. My cherished memory of Gil (& Patsy), are how warm and comforting they were to me, opening their Mead Lake home to me for a personal retreat when I was at a low point in my life. From that experience, I know, and will remember, Gil to be a steady, life loving, self-satisfied, available-but-non-intrusive, neighbor to all. Rest in peace,,,that's what Gil was doing for these recent 25 years that I knew him, I'm sure he's doing more of the same today.

Terry Kelsey Galena OH 43021 (suburban Columbus) – Posted On: October 20, 2016

I can't begin to tell you how very, very sad I was to hear of my old friend's passing. You have my deepest sympathy. We were best of friends all through elementary, and high school, and got together in summers during college. The wonderful memories I have are legion. He was one of a kind, and I know you will all miss him greatly.

David Wilhelms Shawano, WI – Posted On: October 20, 2016

To say that Gil was a formative influence in my life is to grossly underestimate his contribution. Thank you, Gil, for your teaching and your example. Yes, I embraced his call to always ask "Why?" and to this day I quote his teachings when I deal with some situation. He was that most unlikely combination of jock and philosopher. I recall his sense of loss when the petty, silly rules about athlete's hair length forced him to choose his mustache over coaching. That one moment of integrity and following of conscience is with me still. That moment rivals his playing the flute at "Crash Corner" in our criminally overcrowded high school.

To me, the greatest memorial anyone can offer is "He will be missed".

Dave Peterson, Ph.D. Sylacauga, AL – Posted On: October 20, 2016

I just learned of Gil's passing from his daughter, Chantelle. Gil and I were close for many years. He taught me many things, including how to think seriously and question my own preconceptions. He exposed me to the work and ideas of people I later studied under. He will be sadly missed. I will now feed the birds in his remembrance where ever I am.