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Sutherland, Louis James “L.J.”
L.J. Sutherland, 59, of Fairport, NY, passed away on June 26, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. L.J. was born on November 21, 1963, to Marie and Louis
Sutherland in Rochester, NY, and was a 1982 graduate of Fairport High School.
L.J. was a dedicated public servant and first responder having served as a lifelong member of Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department after joining the organization in 1981 and serving until the day of his passing, a period of 42 years. L.J. served as Chief from 2000-2002 and again from 2016-2018, being the first person to serve as Chief twice. He served as a Trustee for BBFD and held the position of 3rd Battalion Coordinator two times and served as head of the Monroe County Fire Advisory Board. L.J. played a pivotal role in the construction of the current BBFD Station #1 providing guidance to design a building to serve the community far into the future. Without a doubt L.J.’s dedication and contribution has been pivotal to the success of BBFD.
L.J. was a hometown guy and bar tended at Thirsty’s in Pittsford beginning at 18, continuing to bartend for 40 years. As a result, it was hard to go anywhere with L.J. without someone yelling, “Hey, L.J.!”. He was an incredible person with a unique sense of humor making an impact on everyone he met. He had so many unique traits, all of which he was generous to share. His service to the community serves as an example of the difference one person can make in the lives of many.
L.J. is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Ashley (Spencer), brother Kevin (Christine) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BBFD L.J. Sutherland Scholarship Fund or to your local fire department.
The calling hours will be at Keenan’s Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6th from 3-6 p.m. The funeral will be at St. John of Rochester on Friday, July 7th at 11 am. It may also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming.
Comments
10 responses to “Sutherland, Louis James “L.J.””
I had the pleasure of working with LJ at.Citibank Student Loan Corporation on Garnsey Road. He was always wearing a smile & always made me laugh. He loved his family, friends and community. My prayers & condolences to his family. . He has left a huge impact on many and beautiful legacy. Taken way too soon!! He was a true warrior!!
L.J. was a wonderful man. Always cheerful . He will be remembered so well by BBFA. Jerry Thompson BBFA Exempts
LJ my friend rest in peace. I met you at Thirsty’s many moons ago and we developed a friendship. You will be missed and I was honered to call you my friend.
I have known L.J. ever since he was a bartender at Thirsty’s. During my numerous visits to the “finest establishment” in Pittsford, L.J. had an upbeat personality, was a pleasure to be with and always had a joke to tell. I’ll never forget the Thirsty’s Buffalo Bills bus trips. He was instrumental in planning the events. L.J. was a true legend at Thirsty’s. His numerous accomplishments and his devotion to the Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department is exemplary. God Bless L.J. and his family.
LJ, my friend rest in peace. I know we 1st met working together. Thru conversation found out you were at my friend’s crash site which touched my heart. For all the families that you positively impacted it goes on and on. But I choose to remember our fun times together celebrating your 40th, Fairport Music Festival and your contagious humor. Till we meet again buddy!
I had the pleasure of knowing LJ when he worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Rochester. He was a great coworker, when I think of him I think of smiles laughter and caring. He will be missed by many I am sure as he made good impressions with everyone he met. My prayers and condolences to his family.
Rest in peace LJ my friend. You will be greatly missed! We met at Pactiv many moons ago. Your sense of humor was great and helped us through many crazy days. Thanks for all the laughs my friend. You will always be remembered for your big heart and personality and wild sense of humor. I’m honored and blessed to have known you and call you friend. Till we meet again my wild wacky friend!
LJ greeted our basketball crowd every Thursday night at T’s like we were each his best friend —and across dozens of great years it became true. At the same time, on particularly “pungent” post-hoops nights he wasn’t afraid to aim us to the patio — complaining that we were emptying the bar. A professional, he was glad to let us blather, so you had to press him to understand his commitment to the Fire Dept. and his business successes. Although we never got him to the gym, he was invited to our annual horseshoes championship, and we all will proudly try to carry on his kind and great spirit….180plus PMBL brothers
I knew LJ both from the fire service( I was in Pittsford FD) and worked with him at Thirsty’s. One the nicest, most down to earth people you could ever meet. Always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He is universally loved and will be sadly missed.
LJ was a childhood friend until I moved in 1978. One Winter’s day LJ took the liberty of using his snow blower to place snow ONTO my families driveway…We argued, I hit him in the shoulder, LJ bent my nose. We were friends and Lab Partners in science class that following Monday.
I retired from the fire service in Florida, I wish I had a chance to shake his hand professionally.