Kevin Sutherland, former US Channel Manager for 3M, passed away on September 22, 2022, at age 72.
Sutherland’s entire career with 3M was in electrical. He started off in 1978 as Territory Sales Representative—“carrying the bag,” as they say—calling on distributor branch locations. He worked in marketing, regional sales management, and ended his career as the National / US Channel Manager, retiring in 2015.
Sutherland attended all the regional and national NAED conferences and built 3M Electricals’ US Channel Team that focuses on the nationals, super regionals, and distributor buying groups.
Kevin Charles Sutherland
July 30, 1950 ~ September 22, 2022 (age 72)
Kevin Charles Sutherland passed away peacefully on September 22, 2022, at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. His wife of 49 years, Stephanie, was by his side. Kevin put up an amazing, courageous fight against pancreatic cancer for 18 months. He never complained, never gave up, and his faith gave him hope to the end.
Kevin was born July 30th, 1950, in Peoria, IL, to Charles and Kathleen Sutherland. He attended St. Philomena Grade School, Bergan High School, and graduated college from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Marketing degree.
Kevin married Stephanie Ruff on August 4th, 1973, and they had two children Charles and Meghan. They were also blessed with three grandchildren: Wylie, Madelyn, and Hayes who fondly called him “Gumbo”.
He began working for 3M in 1978. He had a life-long career that took him from Peoria to New Orleans to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Austin, Chicago, and Shanghai. He loved his job and he learned from the best. He especially enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues and following their careers. He retired in 2015 and lived life to the fullest. When not spending time with his family and friends, Kevin enjoyed traveling, golfing, swimming, and watching live music. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved The Beatles. He also wanted to be involved in the community, volunteering at the blood drive at church, local election commission, and the Board of the 3M Retirement Club. He was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife Stephanie Lane Sutherland of 49 years; his son Charles and wife Lisa Sutherland of Houston, TX; Daughter Meghan and husband Travis Pendley of Austin, TX; sister Kathleen (Doug) Cassidy; Brother Scott Sutherland; three grandchildren Wylie, Madelyn and Hayes; in-laws the Ruffs and the Bourkes; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Kevin had a one-of-a-kind, charismatic personality and a gift of relating to all people. He never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on all that encountered him. He was especially proud of his Scottish heritage, attending many gatherings of the Sutherland Clan in Scotland. He will be dearly missed by so many.
Kevin was passionate about volunteering at his church’s blood drive. Please consider donating blood at your local blood drive as cancer patients are in constant need of this.
A funeral service will be held in Kevin’s honor:
Friday, October 14th, 2022
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
10205 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78726
10-10:30 Visitation
10:30 Funeral Mass & Internment
Lunch reception to be held after services
Kevin was a legacy in the industry and a stand-up human being. He will be missed…
Kevin was an outstanding father, husband,and grandpa. We spent many times together as parents of our Westwood HS students. His son Charlie and my daughter Erin would often carpool together to WWHS. Kevin always had a smile on his face and a hearty laugh. Last time I saw him he was volunteering at our Church for an Election. He was generous with his time and talent. Our prayers to Stephanie, Charlie and Meghan. May Kevin Rest In Peace