Hari Sutherland, former Students’ Union general manager, passed away on December 16 2023.
Hari joined the University in 1966, from the Lyons organisation, and was part of the pioneering team of staff responsible for launching the new Guildford campus. While originally working from army style field kitchen, when Senate House opened, Hari was responsible for the bars on the 3rd and 4th floor of Senate (the staff and student bars).
When Union House opened in 1972, Hari was seconded to the Union to manage the bars and catering in the Students’ Union. A temporary arrangement that lasted until retirement. In his time at the Union, Hari opened the Lower Bar (now home to Youngs Kitchen and the Basement), the Union Lounge (now Rubix), and his beloved Chancellors Bar. With some planning foresight, he insisted that Chancellors was built with sufficient foundations to build an additional floor, which was then added in 1996 and named in his honour on his retirement in 1997.
Those who worked with him, will always remember his attention to detail and commitment to fantastic service as he hosted those who lunched at Chancellors. He was a passionate supporter of students and was a formidable force when working with the Union President.
Hari was hugely proud of his work at the University, and the Students’ Union, and maintained strong links with campus throughout his retirement, as well as friendships with many former staff and students. During his increasingly frequent visits to the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Hari would light up when he saw the University of Surrey logo on a staff members uniform, and ask them how much they enjoyed the University – but more importantly, how is the food?
Hari Sutherland’s funeral will be held at 14:00 on Friday 26 January at Guildford Cathedral, and all who knew him are welcome, and also to remember him afterwards at Hari’s Bar in the Students’ Union. Please wear colour.
