Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Roy Suther Memorial
Roy Suther Memorial

Roy Suther

Roy Suther

Thursday, November 7th, 2019

Roy Suther, 66, of Sedro-Woolley passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019, losing his brave struggle with liver disease.

Entering this life on March 11, 1953 in Hoquiam, Washington, Roy was the fourth born child and only son of LeRoy O. and Ellen L. (Peterson) Suther.

Roy spent the majority of his younger days in the cedar mills of the Pacific Northwest, working as a shake rat in many sawmills around Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. In the early 90’s, he finally succeeded at finding his niche in the dedicated care and treatment of those in rehab and recovery from drug, alcohol, and substance abuse, working first for five years at the Detox of John King in Mount Vernon, and then for twenty-one years at the treatment facility of Pioneer Center North on the campus of the old Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Roy managed to help countless others with his steady understanding and experience and mainly, with his simple empathy for those who may need an encouraging word, a hand up, a ride, a good laugh, or just a smile.

Roy was an avid fan of football, all football, from college to pro, the Seattle Seahawks to the Washington Huskies… he never missed watching his football games. He loved listening to good music, especially the blues; going to classic car shows; quiet hikes in the woods; and enjoying the birds, bunnies, deer, and elk that often wandered across his path. Roy vowed to come back as a Trumpeter Swan, to be reincarnated with the spirit and the strength of those majestic birds who he always admired in his drives thru this county.

Roy is survived by his only child, his son, Joshua Harmon (Tara), of Post Falls, ID; daughter, Annalee Gould Torrey (Michael), of Oakland, CA; four dearly loved grandbabies, Isaiah and Saralyn Harmon and Maya and Theo Torrey; older sisters, Marlene Brueher (Bob), Linda Merrill (Steve), and Janice Young; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; his former wife, Lynn Willison, and step-son, Jeff Fenstermaker; his mean old fat black kitty, Skagit and his life partner and wife, S. Rose Leeper, at their home in Sedro-Woolley. Peace to all who have loved him.

To honor Roy’s wishes, there is no memorial service and to honor the life that Roy led his family suggests making donations in his name to the Friendship House of Mount Vernon, WA; to the Didgwalic Wellness Center of Anacortes, WA; or Hospice of the Northwest, Mount Vernon.

Cremation arrangements were made under the care of the Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Roy and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Allan Stafford

    Will remember Hoquiam schools attended with Roy, and his friendly laughing manner. Condolences to his family and especially Rose whom I never had the pleasure to meet.

  • James andMary Hickman

    Roy was a good neighbor who helped Jim with many project around the property. He was always willing to share what he had with others. Jim enjoyed many football games at Roy’s house. Our condolences and love to his wife, Rose, and his family. His bright smiled lightened up the room wherever he went and he will be missed. We will now have more respect for every Trumpeter Swan we see.

  • Terry Belfield

    Roy,I have been reading the comments since Friday and trying to put together what I want to add. You were a calm force ,a gentle soul.I will always carry your kind words in my heart.I will miss running into you at Costco during your week off between Christmas and New Year.Rest easy my friend.

  • Jodi Lemings

    A smile and a kind word for anyone and everyone. You will be missed, but will never stop being an inspiration for us all.♡

  • robin klein

    Royster my friend and coworker for many years, such a good soul. I’ll continue to watch our games and you’ll always be in thought. I miss your voice in the elevator, our after game talks and countless other memories. Rest In Peace my friend.

  • Ginger Johnson

    I love this man. I smile every time I picture his face.
    Roy was so funny, helpful, humble, and blessed.
    It makes me so sad to think of him being gone, and so very grateful to have known such a wonderful human being.

  • Bob and Marlene Suther Brueher

    I miss my brother and the calls he made to me on every occasion. I’ll miss his sence of humor and our times together. Its still hard for me to realize he’s really gone. My husband and I loved him and will miss him very much.

  • Marilyn Peterson

    Roy was unforgettable. I loved to hear his opinions . He was honest and forthright. I miss him and his posts on Facebook. He will always be remembered. He was special and unique.

  • Charlene Rhodes

    When I met Roy over thirty years ago, he had two swans named Ann and Nancy, after the band, Heart, so it’s fitting he would want to come back as a swan.
    He had a kind and gentle soul and I’ll never forget his wonderful cedar scent.
    We had so many good times together. I couldn’t count how many trips he and Rose made with me looking for land to buy. Every weekend I’d get a list and we’d spend the day(s) driving to different places in the country, and eventually, they were with me to help transform the property I found into a home.
    He left us too soon, and he is deeply missed. My memories of him are fond ones and I’m lucky to have been a part of his life.

  • Kim Meins

    I feel so lucky to have known you Roy. You were always made the early mornings at PCN amazing with just your smile.

  • Dan Henderson

    Ive know Roy since the late 80s. He was one of my best friends. We have been on many road trips together as well as many blues concerts. I sure am missing him. RIP Roy Love you and God Bless All!

  • Linda Hadaway

    Roy was such a great guy..always a wonderful sense of humor. He was such a rich asset to PCN. He made many friends there and worked so well with our clients. He is missed and will continue to be. Bye Roy.until we meet again.

  • Wayne Waits

    I never got to know you well but whenever I seen you, or as we walked by each other at work you always smiled and said “hi”, got my name wrong a few times but we just laughed about that cause each time it was a different name. That’s a little bit of how I remember Roy.

  • Shauna

    Roy,
    We were fortunate to have you in our lives. You loved us like family and loved our kids like your own. We are so thankful to have known and loved you! We miss you.
    Love Shauna Moeller and family

  • Julia Dudley

    So this man has been my best friend, confidant, champion , rebel in arms and road warrior for 20 years. I haven’t read this yet as my tears of loss are so acute. But I thank Rose for posting this. She loved Roy and he loved her. Thank you Rose

  • Sandra Pearson

    I sure hated to see you go, but I know you are at peace…I know you led a good life and left some great memories…I am glad I knew you…