MAPLE CITY — On Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, Irvin George Sutherland went to live with his Savior. Surrounded by Ann, his wife of 56 years, and their three daughters, Kae, Kris and Jill, he passed away at his home in Maple City after a courageous battle with cancer. Irvin was born to Howard and Lura Sutherland on Feb. 8, 1931, in Royal Oak. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Faith, Dale and Ray; and is survived by his sisters, Clover McKinnon and Dawn (Ray) Zellers. Irv graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he played football as a scholarship athlete for the late George Allen. He was a boxer and a Golden Gloves finalist. After he graduated from college, he served for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and returned to Michigan to marry his college sweetheart, Ann Hackney. Irv was a proficient gymnast and broke his neck soon before their wedding, an injury that he fully recovered from with Ann's help. Irv taught physical and special education for 28 years, most of which were at Traverse City public schools. He also held a master's degree in school and guidance counseling from U of M. He was a lifelong advocate for "the underdog," always working on behalf of the people who seemed to need it most, from children with special needs to anyone who seemed to need someone to believe in them. Irv loved his family deeply and was famous for his good advice, love of quality time with his children and grandchildren and his wonderful stories. Irv, his brothers, Dale and Ray and his brother-in-law, Tom were devoted to Pinochle and played weekly for 40 years, a habit indicative of their dearly cherished friendships with their families.His grandchildren have countless favorite memories with their "Gramps," who loved to spend time with them fishing, swimming, climbing the sand dunes, camping, working in the shop or making "doggone goods" over the camp stove. In 1969 Irv and Ann became members at Empire United Methodist Church.For 42 years they served wholeheartedly as dedicated volunteers and teachers. Irv often gave of his time to volunteer as a "grandpa" for children at the Glen Lake school, working tirelessly to be a supportive mentor and friend.Irv was a talented woodworker and spent hours in his shop crafting beautiful pieces that are still cherished by the many people to whom he gave his work. Of all the things he loved, from pontoon boats to harmonicas, it was his joyful faith and deep love for his Lord that was most important to him. From his faith came his enormously generous spirit, and in all his life he proved that loving people and building lasting relationships is what matters most. His most important relationship on earth was with his wife, Ann, and as he once said to his grandchildren, "Of all the things I did wrong, and all the things I could've done better, I got to live my life with your grandmother. That was all that really mattered to me."He will be dearly missed by every person whose life he touched with his warmth, wisdom and love, especially his beloved wife, Ann (Hackney) Sutherland, and their three daughters, Kae (Ken) Mentz, Kris Sutherland and Jill (Dennis) Prout. He is survived by his sisters, Clover (Floyd) McKinnon and Dawn (Ray) Zellers; and his brother-in-law, college roommate and lifelong friend, Tom (Dar) Hackney. Irv's seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Jennifer) Mentz, Andy (Emilie) Prout, Jordan (Katie) Mentz, Lindsay (Kevin) Loughrin, Jesse Mentz, Nathan Prout and Julia Mentz miss him dearly and hope to live a life that mirrors their Gramps' in many ways.A memorial service will be held to honor Irvin at noon Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Empire United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m.at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Empire UMC memorial fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family by way of Irvin's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.