One of New Zealand's folk treasures, John Sutherland, has passed away.

His Obit says "Born 24 January 1942 in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, died 27 January 2026. Loving and cherished husband of Susan for more than 50 years. John passed away peacefully, at his home.

He emigrated to New Zealand in the mid 1960s and settled in Auckland where, from 1966-1967, he served as Titirangi Folk Club’s inaugural President. He also ran Devonport Folk Club in the early days. He was a great performer, a proponent of the Blues, playing harmonica and guitar. He eventually moved to the Wellington region where he was a founding member of the Mainly Acoustic Music Club in Upper Hutt.

During the club’s 60th Anniversary celebrations last year, John and Susan were awarded Life Memberships of the Titirangi Folk club, which honour our current President, Noel Armstrong and the then-acting Secretary, Jeanette MacDonald, presented on visiting them. They received these awards with much pleasure and pride.

The funeral is at Whenua Tapu, Wellington, on the 9th February at 2pm.

Robyn