Published Thursday, 7th November 2024
A resident who served this borough for over 60 years and was in August made an Honorary Freeman for services to our community has died.
Colin Sutherland MBE passed away peacefully on Wednesday 6 November, his family said. He will be greatly missed and mourned by former colleagues and residents whose lives he touched.
A perfect gentleman
Cllr Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of Reigate & Banstead said: “It was wonderful to welcome Colin and his family to the Town Hall in August as he received his well-deserved title. A perfect gentleman and public servant, he dedicated his life to supporting so many local organisations in the Borough. The main ones being Scouting; Cochlea Implanted Children’s Support Group; Home-start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead, The Royal British Legion (Banstead), and the Local Business Forum. It was an honour and privilege to have known him. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr Sutherland became involved with local Scouts in 1968 and embarked on a multi-year fundraising project to rebuild the dilapidated scout hut. Using his outstanding drive, many contacts within business sector, and support from charities both local and national, he achieved his aim of raising enough finance to build the new Scout headquarters. His enthusiasm drew in many parents and local trades who helped build the structure, kit out, and give the young people of Banstead a superb venue in which to gain life skills through scouting. The project was a perfect example of an ultimate self-build - and was used to show the young members what could be achieved with the correct drive and ambition.
Over the years, a multitude of young people have taken these skills and moved into a successful adult life. The majority of them say that his advice, counsel, and general insights have helped and continue to help them in their careers.
Open garden
For over 25 years he, along with his late wife Jean, ran an annual open garden day to raise funds for the Cochlear Implant Group and Home-Start. His famous garden railway would operate along with other trains alongside a vintage car display.
He started the open days as his granddaughter needed support from the Cochlear Implant Group. The care shown to his granddaughter made him determined to support the group. He and Jean were also supporting Home-Start and so the funds raised at the open days were shared between both charities.
Whilst running a nationwide organisation based in Banstead, Colin helped to reconstruct the local chamber of trade to improve the co-ordination among local businesses. He gave them a voice within the local area and the borough.
Colin was awarded an MBE in April 2013 for services to his local community.
As a mark of respect, the borough flag shall fly at half-mast from today (Thursday 7 November) until Monday 11 November 2024.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.