Obituaries

 

William "Bill" Alexander Sutherland

Passed 07/24/2021

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Obituary For William "Bill" Alexander Sutherland

William Alexander (Bill) Sutherland, Q.C. of Halifax passed away July 24, 2021. Born in Pictou, N.S. he was the son of the late Russell and Mary (MacHardy) Sutherland. Predeceased by his brothers Hugh and Fraser, he was the last surviving member of his family.

Bill grew up on the family farm in Scotsburn, graduating from Pictou Academy, and moved to Halifax to work with Maritime Telegraph and Telephone Company. He earned a Commerce degree at night from St. Mary’s University in 1968. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Laws degree (1971), and completed his articles with MacKeigan, Cox, Downie & Mitchell. After admission to the Nova Scotia Bar, Bill practiced law in Halifax for several years with John Buchanan & Associates, as well as in his own private practice.

From 1993 to 1994, Bill studied International Law at the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating with Juris Doctor (JD) Law degree. He moved to Florida, became a member of the Florida State Bar, and practiced law there for 2 years. Retaining his membership in both the Florida Bar and the Nova Scotia Bar, Bill returned to Nova Scotia, working as a member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Counsel Office for 2 years. He then established a private law practice in Halifax, retiring in 2016.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service for family and friends will be held later in the year in his native Scotsburn, Pictou County.

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Condolences

  • 07/27/2022

    Christine

    Bill always made me laugh with his fantastic dry sense of humor. He was always good for keeping the office atmosphere just a little bit lighter. Rest in peace, Bill.

  • 02/28/2022

    Shripad Pendse

    Bill was a student of mine at Saint Mary's University in the mid-sixties. I had just started teaching there, and Bill, a few years older than myself, was one of my first students. We kept in touch over the years and remained good friends. At one point he was debating whether to settle in Florida or to return to Halifax, and we talked at length about both choices. I will remember him as a kind, thoughtful friend who was always willing to help - Shripad Pendse.

  • 01/23/2022

    Suzanne Foster

    A lovely gentle man, kind, honest and caring. May he find peace. Sue Foster

  • 10/06/2021

    Jim and Kaye Watt

    We both worked with Bill many years ago at Maritime Tel & Tel. He was a friend as well as our trusted lawyer. Bill took his responsibilities very seriously, always doing his very best in every situation. Loyal to a fault. We enjoyed his wry sense of humour and thoughtful conversations. He will be missed. Jim and Kaye Watt

  • 08/04/2021

    Flossie Stickles Myhill

    I'll miss Bill's wry sense of humour, his kind heart, his patience, and his loyal friendship. He was my lawyer for over 50 years and never let me down. His ethics and his character were sterling. I'll miss him. May he rest in peace.

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