Providence, R.I.--Rhode Island College was saddened to learn of the passing of former Director of Aquatics and Head Women's Swimming Coach Ron Sutherland on August 3.

Sutherland had over 40 years of coaching experience at various levels. He was an aquatics specialist and the academic advisor for the physical education department's teacher preparation program at the University of Arizona from 1982-2003. While in Arizona, Sutherland coached USA Swimming club teams where he sent numerous competitors to both the U.S. and Mexican Olympic Trials and various other prestigious national tournaments.

Sutherland most recently served as an aquatics director and coach for the YMCA in Wareham, Massachusetts from 2003-07. Prior to his stints in Southeastern Massachusetts and Arizona, he started the aquatics program at the Community College of Rhode Island and served as its director from 1977-82. Sutherland oversaw various youth, adult and senior programs.

Sutherland earned a bachelor's degree in health, physical education and recreation from the University of Rhode Island in 1968. He went on to attain a master's degree in physical education from URI in 1983. 

He is survived by his wife Dale and their four children Cortney, Jennifer, Derek and Whitney as well as seven grandchildren.

In keeping with Ron's wishes, there will be no services at the present time and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date.