P.E.I’.s Marilyn Sutherland worked hard to advance all aspects of curling, especially coaching (Saltwire)

Posted on by April 26, 2021

(by Jason Simmonds)

Marilyn Sutherland’s focus and goals never changed.

Sutherland constantly worked towards increasing knowledge and improving different areas of curling on Prince Edward Island.“She was very interested in getting kids into curling and growing the sport,” said former player Gloria Large. “Coaching and administration, she was always involved some way at some level.”

Marilyn Sutherland's efforts helped grow the sport of curling on P.E.I. She died recently in Charlottetown at the age of 78.Marilyn Sutherland’s efforts helped grow the sport of curling on P.E.I.  Contributed

Sutherland died at the Prince Edward Home in Charlottetown on April 18. She was 78.

George Koke inducted Sutherland into the P.E.I. Curling Hall of Fame in 2013. He described her as an avid sportsperson who loved curling.

“She devoted most of her time in curling as a coach and bringing young people along and was a leader in that area long before coaches became prominent and relevant in the curling world,” said Koke.

Large said Sutherland, a school teacher, had a connection with the young curlers, working with them developing their skills.

She attempted to introduce young people to curling by organizing and co-ordinating curling programs at Queen Charlotte Intermediate School and Colonel Gray High School in Charlottetown. She also co-ordinated the junior program at the Charlottetown Curling Club, Belvedere Golf and Winter Club and the Cornwall Curling Club on various occasions.

“I had a great deal of respect for Marilyn and her volunteering to coach girls’ teams and new beginners,” said longtime curler Doug Cameron of Charlottetown. “Anybody and everybody that wanted to try curling, she was always there and always volunteered to introduce people to the game and help them progress in the game.”

Officiating

As an official, Sutherland officiated at the Canadian junior championships in 1978, 1980, 2000 and 2002; the 1984 Canadian women’s championship; the 1987 and 1996 Canadian mixed championships, and the 1991 Canada Winter Games. 

As an administrator, Sutherland made contributions at the club and provincial levels. She also was a founding member of the P.E.I. Curling Hall of Fame and Museum.

Along with her coaching, officiating and administrative duties, Sutherland also enjoyed the sport as a player and competed in national championships.

Sutherland played third stone on the 1978 provincial women’s championship rink, skipped by Gloria Basha. In 1983, she handled the lead’s responsibilities with the Doug Weeks-skipped P.E.I. mixed champions.

Click to read the full story, by Jason Simmonds, at Saltwire Prince Edward Island

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