HUGH DONALD SUTHERLAND

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HUGH DONALD SUTHERLAND

January 23, 1942 - July 2, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Sutherland. Hugh was the beloved husband of Denise (Guindon, Tomeo) Sutherland and a devoted father. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Dominique and her husband David Findlay, his son Hugh and his wife Lee, his daughter Chantal and Denise's son Eric Tomeo. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Alexis, Evalina, Patrick, Ryan and Aiden Sutherland, Mitchell, Matthew and Jennifer Findlay and Fabrice Tomeo. He was overjoyed to welcome his first great-grandson, Miller, son of Jennifer.

He is survived by his brother, Ian and his wife, Judy, his sister Muriel and her husband Jack Wilson. Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Hugh Woodroffe Sutherland and Jocelyn (Campbell) Sutherland. His stepmother, Marian (Pidlubny) Sutherland is cared for in a seniors home in Winnipeg.

Known affectionately as Uncle Hugh, he will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He was very close to his nephews Rusty, Derek, Jamie Sutherland, Neil Gidney and his niece Christine (Gidney) Schmidt. They will remember all the fun times with Uncle Hugh. The many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched over the years will not forget him.

Hugh was born in Belleville when his father was stationed there during the war. He grew up in Winnipeg and attended United College and then University of North Dakota for a business administration degree. During those years, he spent the summers working in the oil sands at Fort McMurray, an experience that reflected his strong work ethic and adventurous spirit.

His career in sales began at Eaton's in Winnipeg, followed by K-Tel, before he embarked on a successful entrepreneurial journey with Canadian Tire. He and Diane Gignac were married in 1967 in Trois Rivieres and settled in Winnipeg where their three children were later born. The family moved to Westport, Ontario to operate his first Canadian Tire store. The next move was to Bolton, Ontario where he started the operation in downtown Bolton, later opening a much larger modern store in south Bolton. His business vision led him to establish a thriving propane business that grew into Caledon Propane, serving communities in Ontario and Manitoba.

Hugh met Denise who lived in Montreal in 1998. She left Montreal to be with him in 1999 when they were married at their beautiful property in Caledon. Caledon Propane was thriving but eventually sold to Superior Propane and Hugh retired. Following retirement, Hugh and Denise returned to Denise's roots in Quebec, making their home in the communities of Lac Noir and Brossard, where Denise was surrounded by family and old friends. Hugh enjoyed spending time with Denise's brother Richard Guindon, his wife, Ginette Bonin, and the many friends from Denise's childhood.

They spent their winters in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. They quickly established themselves in the community and were very respected for their generosity. They positively touched many lives. Their home was always open for guests from the north.

Hugh will be remembered for his determination, entrepreneurial spirit, generosity and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he influenced, the businesses he built or mentored and the love he shared with those closest to him.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2026