Charles Sutherland

October 1, 1921 - October 15, 2012

Dr. Charles (Chuck) F. Sutherland (Ph.D.) was born at Camp Grant, Ill., to Col. Charles F. and Dorothy Crane Sutherland. His mother died in 1926, and in 1929 his father married Eleanor Troeger of Hinsdale, Ill. During his youth Charles lived in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Montana and Idaho, graduating with honors from Moscow High School. During high school, Charles joined the National Guard 166th Cavalry in 1939. While attending the University of Idaho, he was called to national service in the U.S. Army, 148th Field Artillery. In November 1941, his unit was en route to the Philippine Islands via Hawaii when their convoy was redirected to Australia on Dec. 7, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. He served the next three years in Australia, during which time he received numerous promotions in rank. In 1944, upon his return to the States, he was married to Marjorie Ellen Rowett of Mountain Home, Idaho. Together they returned to the University of Idaho, where Chuck received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in forestry. He earned his doctorate in forest economics at the University of Michigan. Education was of paramount importance to Chuck and Marge, and they endeavored to instill this ideal in their children, and others whose lives they touched. Charles was research forester for Potlatch Industries in Headquarters, Idaho, for five years, after which the family moved to Minnesota, where he worked in research at the Lake States Experiment Station. In 1959, Charles accepted an appointment as assistant professor of forest economics at Oregon State University in Corvallis. During his career at OSU, in addition to teaching, advising and research/publishing responsibilities, he worked with Forestry Extension, specializing in tax issues for small woodland owners. He received numerous commendations throughout his career, including the Aufderheide Award for Excellence in Teaching. He retired from OSU in 1985. Charles’ first wife, Marjorie, died in 1981. In 1982, he was married to Elaine Hyland Mellen, a dear family friend of more than 25 years. Elaine and her two children, Kim and Richard, became a cherished part of his life. Over the next 30 years, Chuck and Elaine had great adventures together, traveling to more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, and to 26 states, often in the company of family and friends. In more recent years, as Chuck suffered failing health, Elaine was devoted to his care and well-being. Words cannot express enough the gratitude all feel for her selfless dedication to our beloved Chuck. Volunteer activities were central to Chuck’s life. Organizations such as the Episcopal Church (1960 to 1980), Benton County Habitat for Humanity (1991 to 2001), Crossroads International (1982 to 1998), the Corvallis Caregivers, the Corvallis Education Program and the Oregon Coast Aquarium (1991 to 1995) each benefited from his service and dedication. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marjorie (1981); two sons, Charles Jr. (Chipper) and John; and brother, John B. Sutherland. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sister, Margaret “Peg” Jones (Nelson); his children David (Susan), Richard (Sue), Ann Campbell (Dan) and Kevin (Betsy); and stepchildren Kim Mellen-McLean (Gary) and Richard Mellen (Anna). He dearly loved his 14 grandchildren and his 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Maxine Rowett of Idaho, Susan Sutherland of California, Isobel Ingert (Ed) of Idaho and Dale Hyland of Oregon; and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his integrity, wise counsel, strong work ethic, emphasis on the importance of education, great sense of humor, and his commitment, loyalty and generosity to friends and family. All who knew this remarkable man are invited to share in a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Grace Lutheran Church, 21st Street and Harrison Boulevard, Corvallis. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances in honor of Charles F. Sutherland be directed to Benton Hospice Service or Benton Habitat for Humanity.