Gary Sutherland

Gary Alan Sutherland, 72, passed away at his home on November 18, 2024. He was born November 21, 1951, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Bernard & Ruth (Scharping) Sutherland Jr. Gary graduated from Plainwell high school. In 1971, he was drafted into the Army where he served his country proudly until his discharge in 1977.

After his service, he returned to Plainwell and was at the local bowling alley where he met a young lady by the name of Linda Areaux. They began dating and were married on the unique date of February 29, 1988. They were together for 20 years (or 5 leap years) until Linda passed in 2008. Gary worked for 35+ years at Perrigo. 

Gary’s first love remains to his wife. He was a devoted family man. He was an avid hunter, and his favorite food was venison. He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons: Larry (Karen) Areaux and Mark (Julie) Areaux; his nephew Luke; his nieces: Laura and Cindy; his sister Barb Arcan as well as his grandchildren: Joel, Jessica, Jenna, Jordan, Meighan and Kyle; five great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Linda, his brother Grant, his parents as well as his loving dog Spuds.

A graveside service with military honors will take place on Monday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Gun Plain Township.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Gary or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.amsfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

The Sutherland family is being served by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685-5881.