Plans in the works for Bruce Sutherland memorial

Press Release

Friends of the late Bruce Sutherland are joining together to place a memorial plaque outside of the Lewiston Public Library.

Bruce was an active volunteer and president of the library board of trustees when he passed away in December 2021. The group is seeking to raise $3,500 to place a bronze plaque and seating area outside of the library.

Donations for the project may be sent to:

Bruce Sutherland Memorial

c/o Lewiston Public Library

305 S. Eighth St.

Lewiston, NY 14092

Bruce Sutherland (Submitted photo)

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The plaque will read:

Col. (Ret) Bruce R. Sutherland

November 8, 1946 – December 27, 2021

“Nobody I know went about their life – personal, political, military, pilot – with more grace, humility, and goodwill. Right now, Lewiston has a hole in its heart.” – Lewiston Resident

The Friends of the Lewiston Library and a grateful community salute Col. (Ret.) Bruce R. Sutherland in recognition of his life of service to his nation and community and his love for his family and friends.

Bruce served in many roles, including president of the board of trustees of the Lewiston Library, president of the Historical Association of Lewiston, and as a member of the board of directors of the Old Fort Niagara Association. He also served as deputy mayor of the Village of Lewiston and on its board of trustees.

He graduated from Niagara County Community College; and SUNY Geneseo, with a degree in biology. Bruce also obtained a master's degree in management from the University of Southern California. After college, he joined the Air Force and enrolled in officer training school and became a pilot. During his 26-year Air Force career, Bruce and his family were assigned to far-flung locations across the U.S. and the world. His military service culminated in a promotion to colonel and his appointment as wing commander at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.

Bruce loved Lewiston and never forgot his boyhood home. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and working as a captain for a major airline, he returned to Lewiston with his wife, Jackie, and family, and became an inspiration to his countless friends and fellow volunteers.