Sutherland never lost his marvels

To the editor:

Ian Sutherland was both a dear friend and a beloved colleague. I saw a bumper sticker that said, "You're never old as long as you haven't lost your marvels." Ian never lost his and still enjoyed life and all its marvels to the fullest. This included jumping.

Many of us were fortunate enough to be "adopted" into his extended family, and we were honored to have been included. No one could say "Roxie" with the pizzazz he did. When he would write letters to me at the JFK Special Warfare Museum, even if it was to return a donation form, his letters always began "Dear Sweetie!" I figure we will both get a laugh at that up in heaven when some curator in the future goes through the old files! We looked forward to his visits and would always try to get him to stay just a little bit longer.

He was the epitome of a officer, gentleman and scholar. He was proud of his Scottish heritage, looking good in a kilt, his chosen profession and his beloved brotherhood of the U.S. Army Special Forces. And, most importantly, he was loved greatly by us all and will be missed even more.ROXANNE MERRITT

Fayetteville, N.C.