Robert Sutherland (17 Jul 1930 - 5 Oct 2025)
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Funeral Director
- Location
- Dorking Rugby Club Kiln Lane Brockham, Betchworth RH3 7LZ
- Date
- 31st Oct 2025
- Time
- 1.30pm
In loving memory of Robert Sutherland who passed away peacefully on 5th October 2025 after a short illness. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Bob was a popular and well-liked man often described as a 'true gentleman' with a dry Scottish humour.
He started from humble beginnings in the tenements of Edinburgh with his parents, sister Janet and brother Edward. He excelled throughout his school days and was encouraged by the headmaster to go to the University of Edinburgh where he studied in the Chemistry Faculty.
After serving his National Service in Germany in 1953 he was unable to find work in Scotland so reluctantly moved south to England where he met Pat. He never forgot his roots and returned regularly to Edinburgh and Wick.
They moved to Dorking in 1962 after Bob accepted a position at Beechams at Brockham Park and he stayed there until his retirement at the age of 62.
He had a great love of rugby and joined Dorking Rugby Club in 1963 where he played team rugby, was fixture secretary and refereed for many years. He supported the teams after his non-playing days, attending home and away matches right up until earlier this year. He also enjoyed playing cricket, tennis and golf.
Bob was a real family man and enjoyed spending time with his children Andrew, Janet and Gill, and grandchildren Becky and Charlotte.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Bob's life where we will remember and honour his memory. In the meantime, please share your photos and memories with us on this website. We also aim to stream the funeral for those unable to attend - see 'Funeral Service Webcast Link' at the top or right-hand side, underneath the Donation links.
Please let us know if you can attend the funeral and afterwards at Dorking Rugby Club to give us an idea of numbers.
Dress code - smart but not necessarily black.
wrote
In the following reference, Bob describes the background to the demonstration of clinical efficacy of β-lactamase inhibitors:
Robert Sutherland,
β-Lactamase inhibitors and reversal of antibiotic resistance,
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences,
Volume 12, 1991, Pages 227-232, ISSN 0165-6147,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-6147(91)90557-9.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0165614791905579)
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wrote
In the 1980s,I was working with Beecham in Paris, contributing to the registration in France of Augmentin. That is when I have had the privilege to meet and liaise with Dr Robert Sutherland — who insisted we should call him Bob. Bob was extremely helpful and patient and kind, and appreciated by all for these qualities.
No e-mails in those days; communication would rather imply some face-to-face meetings: I saw Bob in Brockham Park and also in Paris. Once, the meeting had probably been set to coincide with an important rugby match: Bob was proud of the tartan bonnet he had brought over. I asked stupidly which tartan it was. Sutherland, of course!
Another time, after we had mentioned the differing views on both sides of the Channel regarding the French Revolution, I had the pleasant surprise to receive in the mail a copy of 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Orczy, with a kind accompanying note from Bob.
My sincere condolences to his relatives.
- Bernard
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donated £40 in memory of Robert
In memory of Bob who contributed so much in the field of Antibiotic R&D for which we are all very grateful and for his friendship and support as a colleague. With sincere condolences to his family he will be clearly missed.
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donated £40 in memory of Robert
From the Botterill family.
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donated £40 in memory of Robert
In memory of Bob
Love from Tracy & Andy
xx
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wrote
What a lovely memorial service you gave for your Dad yesterday. He would be so proud of you all. I didn't know him, as we only met once, but he seemed to be such an interesting, talented and lovely man, loved and admired by all who knew him. Sending my condolences to you all.
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donated £20 in memory of Robert
A lovey guy and gentleman. With love- David & Chris Kenway
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donated in memory of Robert
A good man who will be sorely missed.
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donated in memory of Robert
Many good memories of working with Bob, in his lab and elsewhere in Beecham/GSK. A mentor who taught so much by example. Respect world-wide in the scientific community was clear when travelling with him… and good memories flying over and walking the Grand Canyon with him, sailing up the Bosphorus and other adventures aside from the work. And the ‘wee-drams’.
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posted a picture
Bob in his prime at Brockham Park.
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wrote
Rest in peace, Bob. The Burn’s Night Suppers at Brockham wouldn’t have been the same without you. Condolences to your family and friends.
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is attending the funeral and the reception
wrote
So sorry to hear of your loss, Janet. My condolences to you and your family.
All the very best, Zoe x
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wrote
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Robert. I send my condolences to you all.
I will always remember the good times we all had at Gullane Beach, running down the Big sand dune and picknicking at the bottom of it, using the rocks as a windbreak.
Rip Uncle Robert
From Jill and John
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is attending the funeral and the reception
donated £30 in memory of Robert
In memory of a great boss, and a lovely man.
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donated £20 in memory of Robert
In memory of a very special brave and true gentleman.
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is attending the funeral
donated £40 in memory of Robert
In loving memory of Bob Sutherland
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Comments
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Bob was a gentle and kind man and shall be fondly remembered.Pat and Bob and family were like a second family to me during my primary and secondary years and I spent many happy holidays with them,walking the dogs on the Nower with Bob and of course celebrating New Year's Eve together with my family and my future husband Paul.Such a welcoming kind family.
donated £25 in memory of Robert
In fond memory of Bob. Mike and Mary
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donated £30 in memory of Robert
With much gratitude, and in loving memory of Bob.
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is attending the funeral and the reception
Bob in his prime at Brockham Park.
It was a privilege to know Bob. He was one of the great and the good.
In case anybody has forgotten what I look like!
Comments