A man with a passion for the land has been farewelled.
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Moss Vale resident Jason Sutherland passed away from cancer at the age of 41 recently.
Jason was the son of Dianne and Steve Sutherland, husband of Meagan and father of Mikayla, Nate and Avery. Family and friends gathered to remember Jason and reminisce on the memories they shared.
Jason's school life began at Moss Vale Public and progressed to Moss Vale High, which where his interest in stock breeding commenced caring for stud stock while a Year 8 student.
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Upon finishing Year 12, Jason's education then moved onto Goulburn TAFE, where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Rural Business Management.
As his working life began, his courses of attainment continued and the world of rural industries opened up before him.
Margaret and Ian Hughes of Elm Vale Poll Hereford Stud sensed Jason's passion for cattle showing and guided this interest. Elm Vale was his second home.
At 13 years of age, Jason commenced 'breaking-in' and he did not shy from the side effects of cattle showing - preparation, clean-up and the occasional unplanned trip around the arena when his four-legged friend decided the usual circle wasn't sufficiently interesting.
As he learned, he shared his knowledge - attending show circuits every year with not only his own cattle, but those of other stud owners.
His appetite for experience was insatiable.
His success and good reputation within the show and cattle business community was testament to the work he had expended.
By the age of 20, he had purchased a number of prime poll Hereford beef cattle and the birth of his own cattle stud was realised with the foundation of Mystic Park Poll Hereford Stud.
It was a dream preceded by hard work.
Jason was awarded Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Rural Achiever at Sydney Royal in 2001 - recognising the determination of rural youth to succeed and work for the benefit of their chosen industry.
He was also a member of Moss Vale Show Society for many years, Vice-President and Chief Steward for the Cattle Section, and was often asked to judge at country shows.
He was a member of the Herefords Youth Committee and President of the Sydney Regional Herefords group - also for many years.
There was one occasion when work and cattle proved to be of secondary interest. Jason was 17, and leading cattle at Albion Park Show.
Also at Albion Park, was a 14 year old girl named Meagan.
Kindred spirits, loving the land and country life, having eyes only for each other - destined to marry. Which they did in 2002.
From this love, came their children and Jason's dedication to everything he had done up until that time, was replicated one hundred fold in the love he had for his family.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with medical bills: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sutherland-family-memorial-fund?utm_medium=email utm_source=customer utm_campaign=p_email%2B1020-sharing-invite-v5
