Eric Calvin Cal Sutherland, 81, of Arlington, Wash., passed away peacefully on May 28, 2007, after facing nearly 30 years of Parkinsons disease with an uncommon degree of humor and grace.
Cal touched many souls here on Earth with his gentle spirit and his booming bass singing voice and, now, he has gone on to join Gods heavenly choir.
Although he rarely spoke of his time in the service, Cal was honored with a Bronze Star for bravery during WWII. In 1950, he met and married Edna Rake. She has been by his side for 57 precious years and will miss him tremendously.
Cal is survived by his wife, Edna; his loving daughters, Sheila (Tom), Brenda, (Bob), Meleea (Jim) and Pamela (Chad); 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandson on the way.
A graveside service with military honors was held at 9:30 a.m. on June 1, 2007, at the Arlington Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., at the Arlington United Church.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Booth Gardner Parkinsons Center at Evergreen Hospital.