QMC William D. Sutherland, USN (Ret.) Class 13

It is with great sadness that the UDT-SEAL Association informs the membership on the passing of
QMC William D. Sutherland, USN - (Ret.) Class 13, March 31, 2010.

Bill was affectionately known by his shipmates as " Fat Rat ". He was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. After graduation from Manual Training High School he was offered a position with Walt Disney as a cartoonist. Bill declined the offer, and at age 19, joined the Navy. Upon completion of Boot Camp, he was ordered aboard a LSMR as a Quartermaster striker.

He applied for UDT Training in 1954 and commenced training as a trainee in Class 13. Upon completion of training he was assigned to UDT-22 and worked in the Chart Shop. Bill was known for the UDT Character shown riding a shark as seen in many Cruise Charts. He was also one of the main designers of the Seal Trident, worn by SEALs today.

Chief Sutherland was one of the founding Fathers and early Presidents of the UDT-SEAL Association and was very involved in Association activities.

Bill married his wife June in 1967 and together they had two girls and a boy. Bill also had three children from a previous marriage.The Sutherlands moved to New Port Richie, Florida where he and June took up golf, a game that he could never beat her at. Bill and June settled into a life of enjoyable retirement until his passing.

Chief Sutherland's ashes will be spread upon the waters at the Muster Memorial Service in Fort Pierce in November.