Obit: John Sutherland in NZ (1942-2026)

Subject: Obit: John Sutherland in NZ
From: GUEST,Little Robyn
Date: 02 Feb 26 - 10:52 PM

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

Subject: RE: Obit: John Sutherland in NZ (1942-2026)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 07 Feb 26 - 10:24 AM

I was sorry to read that John Sutherland has died at the age of 83. As it says on the Internet, he was a notable figure in New Zealand Folk Music and made a wonderful contribution to its development and continued enjoyment. I would like to send my condolences to all those who know and love him. I have entered his name in the "In Memoriam" thread. RIP John.