John Frederick Sunderland, 78, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 7, 2025, surrounded by love. His daughter, Savannah Ekada, was by his side, along with her family, ensuring he was comforted and cared for in his final moments.

Born on March 28, 1946, in Maryland, John lived a life of quiet dedication, unwavering kindness, and deep responsibility to those he loved.

Every morning, John started his day with a fresh cup of coffee, the newspaper, and his signature attire—slacks, a button-up shirt, and a belt—always impeccably dressed, even if he wasn't planning to leave the house. A man of habit and dignity, he found comfort in his daily walks around the neighborhood or to the post office, savoring the simple, peaceful rhythm of retirement. He embraced a life free from stress, enjoying movies, good meals, and the small pleasures of everyday life.

In his working years, John served as a Merchant Marine before establishing a long career as an Operating Engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers, a role he took great pride in. His hands were never idle—he was the kind of man who could fix just about anything, always keeping his tools at the ready and lending a hand whenever something needed repair. He had a natural curiosity about how things worked and an impressive knowledge of trivia that made every conversation with him an interesting one.

Though a private man, John had a heart of gold and an undeniable sweetness that left an impression on everyone he met. Whether chatting with a neighbor, thanking a nurse, or making conversation at a restaurant, he had a warmth that made people feel seen and appreciated. Even in later years, as Alzheimer's and dementia made life more complicated, his kind spirit never wavered.

John was a natural caregiver, always putting others before himself. For 30 years, he cared for his mother, Belle, as she faced the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia, staying by her side until her passing at 100 years old in 2016. Knowing firsthand the difficulties of caring for a loved one, he made it his priority to protect Savannah from experiencing the same burdens he once carried. With deep love and foresight, he took every step to ensure her path would be lighter, just as he had devoted his life to making things easier for those he loved.

As John's health declined, Savannah and her family cared for him at home, just as he had wished, ensuring he was surrounded by love and comfort for as long as possible. On Christmas Day 2024, his health took a sudden turn, and as his condition progressed quickly, he transitioned through different levels of care. In his final days, he was in a peaceful and comforting environment, where the focus was on dignity, warmth, and ease—just as he would have wanted. Through it all, Savannah remained by his side, devoted to her father in every way. His passing was peaceful, dignified, and filled with love.

John is survived by his loving daughter, Savannah Ekada, and her family, including her future husband, Ranier S. Galgana, and her mother, Gladys A. Ekada, who was instrumental in his caregiving and remained a lifelong friend. He is also survived by his five cherished turtles—John John, Snappy, Franklin, Sharky, and Pretty Flower—along with Jax (Ranier & Savannah's dog) and Bowser (Gladys' dog), who brought him great joy in his final years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Belle Sunderland, and his brother, Thomas Stanley "Stan" Sunderland II.

A private wake will be held at home, where family and friends will gather to share stories, play games, and celebrate the kind, dependable, and ever-dapper man that John was.

"Some souls make the world brighter just by being in it. John was one of them."