Rodney George SUTTON, MBE.

18th September 1935 - 1st November 2024
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Service Details
J Fraser & Sons Chapel
cnr Esk and Doon Streets
Invercargill
Friday 8 November 2024, 10:00AM
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SUTTON, Rodney George, MBE.

Passed away suddenly on Friday 1 November, surrounded by family, aged 89 years. Loving and cherished husband of the late Christina. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of David, Lynette, Barbara Sutton-Adams and Paul Adams, Anna and Stu Harvey. Loved grandfather of John Beckett and Abbey Barron; Josh, Raynor, and Star Sutton; Ashleigh and Ben Smail; Kate and Jack Harvey; and a loved great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. A service to celebrate Rodney’s life will be held in J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill on Friday 8th November at 10am, a cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations to the Invercargill Garrison Band would be appreciated and can be made at the service. Messages can be sent to 103 Gladstone Terrace, Invercargill 9810, or to Rodney’s tribute page at  frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where there is a livestream link to the service.

Messages

Rodney Sutton was a good friend and mentor for the short time I got to know him. We played a Gilbert Vinter quartet at the Otago Southlands. He will be greatly missed.
David Notley, Bradford, UK
Very sorry to hear of Rodneys death. I was one of the kids learning in the 60s. Rodney was a real role model and inspired me. It was through listening to him and under his baton that I got to know what good looked and sounded like. It has stayed with me all my playing life. One of the giants of our movement. Sorry I will be unable to attend his Funeral . It will mark the end of an era.
To Rodney’s family I offer my condolences.
Trevor Kempton, Dunedin
While none of us know when our number is up, Rodney’s death is a huge shock! Memory after memory boggle in my head and I struggle to find words to encompass his contribution as model, mentor, musician and leader, and let’s face it person of great community mana. He taught me about artistry, flair and even some discipline in my playing and conducting. The power of playing alongside a musician with complete control of instrument became the rod that galvanised my playing as a 23 year old. We have lost a tōtara. Thank you Rodney. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Errol Moore, Dunedin
Sorry here of the passing of your Dad Barbara. Thinking of you and Paul and the Sutton family.
Trevor Butcher, Lochiel
Rodney Sutton, Musician
Friend of Alex Lithgow of Invercargill March fame

Our family will miss you.

It started years ago when Mrs J A Lakin (Lithgow's daughter) of Armadale, Western Australia gifted memorabilia to Invercargill and it was passed to the Garrison Band. You were an office bearer and letters were exchanged for a short period.

Much later, wanting to build on my grandfather's story, my husband and I visited your city and met Barrie Bain, you being unwell. However with the help of members of my family, we did start a long distance friendship based on exchange of information. Eventually we met at the unveiling of the statue beside the Civic Theatre.

I believe your book, A BLAST from the PAST, is finished and neither you nor Barrie can personally receive the accolades you so rightly deserve but, YOU DID IT!

Remembering a great man and long distance friend.

Pat Ward & Lithgow descendants
Pat Ward, Western Australia
Rodney was a wonderful neighbor who always went out of his way to lend a hand. Whether it was sharing freshly harvested vegetables, kindly fixing our fence after my driving mishap, or exchanging baked goods, he made our neighbourhood a better place. My son, Theo, and I will deeply miss our conversations with Rodney. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Emily Wilson, Invercargill
Dearest sympathy to all the Sutton family!! Such a sad loss of your father, grandfather, & great grandfather!!!
Sending love & strength to you all ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Gerard & Wynsome
Wynsome Adams, Clyde
To the Sutton Family. This message comes with deepest sympathy to you all.
I have fond memories of Rodney he was a dear and special friend of Joe ‘s and mine too. Joe and Rodney shared many special times together in the band fraternity, and they had that wonderful instrument in common called the “Euphonium”.
Rodney was a special man, such a talented musician and so respected - a true champion. Our family spent many special times with Rodney, I have lovely memories of those.
Rodney, you will be missed by many.
You are all in our thoughts.
With love from Jean Harper, Susan, Richard and Peter.
Jean Harper, Christchurch
Our condolences to the family on the passing of Rodney - a true gentleman. We have special memories of Rodney over many years including the development of the Te Anau Boating Club and its facilities.
John & Margaret Fraser, Cromwell
Sincere sympathies to Rodney's family and the Invercargill Band Community. Rodney was a significant influence on my development as an ill disciplined young brass musician. Very fortunate to have played under him as a conductor and with him as a performer on occasions. I have fond memories of calling in to his office Spey St for lots of chats, usually about Band related matters. Rodney leaves a lasting legacy to music in the South and in the wider New Zealand Banding Community.
David Gallaher, Wellington
To Sutton family and IGB members - very much regret we can't be with you today.
Have known Rodney since I joined the then Invercargill Civic band in 1956. - played with, against, and under his baton for a lifetime.
A world class eupho, - his commitment and dedication to the IGB and the brass band movement, is an inspiration to us all .
Our thoughts are with you all.
Trevor and Marie Tattersfield, WANAKA
Some of my most favourite banding memories include Rodney. He was inspirational, had a burning love for music and sought excellence in all we tried to do. Ngaire joins me in sending sincere condolences to family and friends
Murray Beckman, Auckland
On behalf of the TeAnau Boating Club ,our deepest sympathy to the Sutton extended family on the sudden passing of Rodney.
Rodney was a stalwart of our club over many years.A long term committee member and former President.
A mentor to myself and historian on all aspects of the club
Proud bearer of club membership TBC 1
Rodger Cunninghame
President
TeAnau Boating Club
Rodger Cunninghame, TeAnau