BELFAST — David B. Sutherland Sr., 82, passed away peacefully December 8, 2024 at his home after a long illness surrounded by family and friends. Born on April 24, 1942 in Camden, he was the son of Emery and Lucy (Young) Sutherland. The family moved to Brooks where he grew up. As a young boy, he loved to play basketball and baseball was a member of the Boy Scouts. David worked for the family farm and was known as the fastest bean picker in the country and was recognized with a state title trophy.

His favorite time growing up was being with his grandfather Grandpa Young and working the farm together. He was very much a family man and made sure everyone around him knew their importance family, friend or acquaintance. Once you became his friend, you were known to him as family, and he never forgot all who he crossed paths with.

Well known in mid-coast Maine for his sense of humor, his vibrant joking personality, David also was known for his work ethic. The creator and owner of Sutherland Painting for over 40 years, he also plowed snow and did landscaping.  

An avid Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan, David also loved the holidays, drinking Moxie, eating ribbon candy and pineapple ice cream sundaes, attending fairgrounds and horse races. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cribbage. A supporter of the Casino and State Lottery scratch tickets, he was a regular donor of the programs, and rarely won anything. David’s family was most important and spending time with them. He considered yellow as the color of happiness which was his favorite.  

Always an optimist, David could see the bright side to everything, remaining humble, kind and supportive to all. He leaves a legacy of grace, integrity, love and respect. As he would say I am just simply me and that was all he needed to be.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by siblings Leola Scott, Ellen Springer, Kenneth Fritz, Sr., and William Sutherland Sr.  Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Susan Sutherland; children, David (Phyllis) Sutherland, Jr. of West Virginia; Carl Sutherland, Frederick Sutherland, all of Belfast; Paul (Patricia) Sutherland of Oregon; Cynthia Sutherland Cortez of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Emery, Mindy, AJ, Amy, Christine, Kimberly, Joshua, Johnathon and Jarrett; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Alton (Margaret) Sutherland, Sr.; and sister Marion Dunnivan. 

Funeral services were held previously. 

Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to the Belfast Soup Kitchen, 31 Belmont Ave., Belfast, ME 04915. 

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden, www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.