Elvin Lester Sutherland, Jr.

Elvin L. Sutherland Jr., or Smokey as he was known to friends and family, of Canton, passed away on July 6, 2017 at Aultman Hospital. Smokey was born on August 22, 1932 in Summerfield, Ohio, the first son of Elvin and Ethel (Orr) Sutherland. He grew up surrounded by loving family, and often reminisced about his adventures in Noble County. Smokey proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster Seaman on the submarine USS Guavina. He often referred to this time of his life and the men he served with - many veterans of WWII - as providing many of his finest memories. He graduated from The Ohio State University, worked as a Certified Public Accountant, and taught at Walsh University as a professor for many years. While teaching at Walsh, he formed lasting friendships with many of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, especially Brother Joseph Power, his mentor and friend. Smokey had many interests; he enjoyed attending the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Canada; travelling to Chios, Greece with his Greek friends from the Massillon area, playing golf, solving crossword puzzles, reading, beating family members at Jeopardy, and greeting friends with a hearty, “Yasou!” This much-loved, witty and generous father, brother, uncle, and friend will be deeply missed by his daughter, Julia (Barry) Finn; brother Jack (Joyce) Sutherland; nieces Cathleen (Michael) Billig and Beth (Michael) Robinette, nephew Jeff (Denise) Sutherland; 10 great nieces and nephews, and extended family Lois (Mark) Bixby, and Sam (Sue) Murphy and their sons Noah and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Rebecca Sutherland, and his loving companion Lois Murphy. Private graveside services for Smokey will be held in the future. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends remember Smokey fondly.