Mr. Gilbert J. Sutherland

Sutherland, Gilbert John; age 94, of Trenton, passed away peacefully, November 24, 2015. Life-long resident of Detroit and the Downriver Area, "Gil" was born, May 26, 1921 in Detroit to John and Minnie, raised with his sister Audrey, and graduated from MacKenzie High School in 1939. Gil served his country honorably as a U.S. Marine in World War 2, fighting in the Pacific Theater. He was part of the first wave of Marines to land at Okinawa, one of the fiercest battles of WW2, and fought the entire 82-day campaign until victory was secured. Gil then served the remainder of his duty on mainland Japan, shortly after the end of the war. Devoted husband and father, Gil was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Olympia in October of 2015 and is survived by his loving family: children, Karen, Nancy and Mark; grand-daughters, Abby and Emma, cousin, Sylvia Barbat Caruso (Bruno); nieces and nephews, Mary Beth (Ghindia) Cirocco, George Ghindia, Suzanne (Ghindia) Robertson, John Bruno Caruso, Janet Ghindia, John R. Ghindia and many friends. Gil started his career at Holley Carburetors, developing his expertise there. He then moved on to the Ford Motor Company Apprenticeship School, where he gained his engineering credentials. Gil traveled all over the country, specializing in testing Ford cars and trucks in all climates and conditions. Business trips frequently took him to Kingman, AZ, International Falls, MN and Pikes Peak, CO. He went up and down Pikes Peak hundreds of times. Gil enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. After his retirement from Ford, he and Olympia traveled extensively; including numerous cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and other exciting destinations. They also resided briefly in Henderson, NV and Bayonet Pointe, FL. Gil and Olympia enjoyed an amazing life together, including a glorious retirement! Funeral visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1st from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and a funeral mass will be held Wednesday, December 2nd at 10:00 AM in The Trenton Chapel - Martenson Family of Funeral Homes followed immediately by Internment with Military Honors at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit MI. Donations in memory of Gilbert may be made to St Thomas Episcopal Church, Trenton , MI or the charity of your choice