Died 1997
Toronto, Ontario Children 6 Spouse(s) Barbara Helen Dixion | Occupation Religious leader Nationality Canadian Name Wilber Sutherland | |
Full Name Herbert William Sutherland Born 1924 Salt Spring Island, BC | ||
Wilber Sutherland succeeded Stacey Woods in 1954 as Canadian director of the evangelical organization Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. These years saw unprecedented growth in all phases of the Canadian student work including Pioneer Camps, the birth of the Nurses Christian Fellowship, major involvement in the growing Urbana Missionary Convention and growing links with international students both in Canada and the Third World. However, despite the heavy administrative load this growing work demanded, Wilber's main commitment continued to be his own personal links with students. He took every opportunity he could both to speak and to counsel with them.
Wilber directed the Canadian IVCF for 18 years, and also served on the Senior Staff of the American Inter-Varsity and on the Executive of the International Fellowship. Wilber partnered with his close friend Bill Mason to produce two films, Wilderness Treasure and Waterwalker. He also directed the film, A Man for the North. In 1973 Wilber founded IMAGO, a charitable society for funding Christian artists. He remained active as a leader in many projects, including initiating and coordinating the National Ad Hoc Interfaith working Group on constitutional concerns. At the request of the Parliamentary Special Joint Committee, that Group made a presentation to the Committee. Wilber was a key figure in the drafting of a Canada Clause with an additional Preamble to the Constitution. In 1996 he initiated and co-ordinated a small gathering called Opportunity Canada to address the crisis in Canadian unity. An important theme was the relationship between aboriginal peoples and Quebec; but the underlying question was one of values, and how a better comprehension of fundamental values, such as respect for diversity, could contribute to Canadian identity. He was deeply concerned with immigration issues, and brought a passion for social justice to all of his work. Wilber was nominated in 1997 for the Order of Canada but died before his nomination could be considered.