Obituary of Donald Sutherland Sumner

SUMNER: Donald Sutherland Sumner, beloved husband of Betty and dear father of Diane, Roy and Ross, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on October 15, 2014 at the age of 86 years. Don was born in Virden, MB on August 11, 1928, the youngest of two sons born to Roy and Annie Sumner. Dad attended Public School and High School in Virden followed by his post-secondary education at Brandon University and University of Manitoba. He came to Brandon to pursue his teaching career. There, he served as Principal of Park, Linden Lanes and Meadows School, a career of 36 years. Dad and Mom met while they were both on Brandon teaching staff. They were married on July 20, 1957 and celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary this past July. Dad was a patient, gracious, kind and loving man. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was always proud of his family and took great pride in the activities and achievements of his kids, grandkids and the students he taught throughout his teaching years. We always kidded Dad about having four seasons, curling, baseball, fishing and any outdoor activity. Some of the favourite pastimes he shared with Mom and their Black Lab, Sam, were canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, cross country skiing and gardening. Dad was very involved over the years with his passions for baseball and curling. In baseball, he was involved for over 60 years as a player, coach, administrator and statistician. He is in the Baseball Hall of Fame for both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Dad worked the microphone for many Manitoba, Canadian and International baseball championships and was "the voice" of the Brandon Cloverleafs for many years. Dad was an active curler right up to the time of his passing, and was Secretary of the Brandon Curling Club for almost 50 years and Rink Manager for 15 years. Dad was an Honorary Life Member of the Manitoba Curling Association. In the past 28 years, he enjoyed his involvement with the Masters Super League of curling. Dad also played goal for the Brandon College CAPS and was honoured to be named to the Brandon University Hall of Fame. He treasured the life-long friendships he made in all these sporting activities. Dad had another career, fishing! He and his sons fished many, many Manitoba lakes and we as a family treasure our days spent at our family cabin at Clear Lake. Dad was a man of strong faith and long-time member of Knox United Church. Don was predeceased by his parents and an infant son. He is survived by his loving wife Betty; daughter Diane, son-in-law Jeff Thornton, granddaughter Lindsay, grandsons Doug, Sean, and Ben Thornton, all of Lethbridge, AB; son Roy, daughter-in-law Brenda (Williamson), granddaughters Taylor and Janelle of Winnipeg; son Ross, daughter-in-law Lynda (Baker), grandchildren Jessie and Grady of Brandon. Don is also survived by his brother Douglas Sumner and nephew, David, of Ottawa. In accordance with Dad's wishes, a private family graveside celebration was held at the Virden Cemetery on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, with Rev. Craig Miller of Knox United Church officiating. We concluded our tribute with an impromptu singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." If friends desire, donations in memory of Don may be made to Kidsport, Sport Manitoba - Westman Region, Room 146, 340-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6C2; Brandon's "Food for Thought" Program, 1031 - 6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4K5; The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9 or to a charity of choice. Don was such a kind man who gave so much back to the community. He was a great role model and Heaven is so lucky to be getting such a fine soul!