Richard Arden Sutliff

Mr Sutliff was my classical voice instructor during my years at ORU. His training changed my life in that it was the first time a teacher brought out of me what I didn't know I could achieve. RIP.

I took vocal lessons from Richard way back in the early 90s. He was an absolutely amazing teacher and an in incredible vocalist! He taught me how to push myself and broaden my vocal range, and most importantly he instilled confidence in me. I think of our lessons often and with deep fondness. I am saddened to learn that he passed 4 years ago, but he lives on in my memories. Thank you, Richard. Shaun Bryant

I worked with Rich in the musical “Oklahoma”

Loved and respected him

N

Heaven is a little “rich”er

I never actually met Richard - I had the honor of singing in the Oral Roberts Univ concert choir as a freshman in 1977-78. That year, the choir director, named Tony Catanzariti, had Richard sing the lead in a Charles Ives piece called "General William Booth Enters Heaven." It was a pretty modern, avant garde piece, and we performed it in the campus chapel service. I suspect that Mr Catanzariti saw it as his mission to "stretch the ears" of President Oral Roberts. Of course, Richard did a marvelous job of singing it (the choir even recorded an album that year, recorded at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, featuring Richard). The piece had a wonderfully meaningful message, but was not melodious--I think it created a bit of a scandal for the President, which I suspect was a source of considerable delight to both Tony and Richard. Thanks, Richard, for your great voice, and for great memories of my only year in the ORU concert choir--I went on to become a family physician in WV.

Rich was my high school boyfriend. We bonded over music. I played the piano; he, of course, sang. We performed together all the time. Even at that young age, his voice was astounding. When he sang, I felt it -- deep in my heart, my soul. My mom always told him what a wonderful talent he had and encouraged him to magnify it. He definitely did. I'm sure she's among those marveling as he leads those heavenly choirs.

I have thought so often of Rich lately and considered trying to get in touch. I'm so sorry that I've missed that opportunity. Would love to hear his voice again. Where can I go to get any of his recordings?

Rich was a special guy, with a heart as big as his voice. Please know that he will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Rich was a loyal member of Tulsa First United Methodist choir for many years. He loved the Lord, his family and the Body of Christ, and expressed it in his beautiful voice. I know that he witnessed his love for Christ to other opera members as he performed as the "heavy" bass-baritone around the country. Our choir at First will miss him greatly.

Rich was a magnificent man with a huge heart and a stunning voice. And a great love for God. We were friends for several years and my wife and I had the honor of his singing the Lord's Prayer at our wedding. I am sorry now I haven't kept in touch over the years since. Good reminder to let those you care about - know it.

Mr. Sutliff was such a dear man, such a kind man with such a good heart. So enjoyed doing Opera Theatre with him while a student at ORU. And SUCH a voice!! He is now singing in heaven! He will be greatly missed here though... May God comfort your hearts.

Rich & i went way back! First @ ORU, then we were @ Discoveryland together. (he was a scary Judd!!) then ran into each other again years later in Tulsa. He came to Romano's Macaroni Grill to hear me sing and i went to hear him everywhere i could. Also both members of Boston Avenue Methodist together. Generous, always in a good mood, shared a love for music that was unparalleled. I am honored that in this life, God chose I should know Rich, my long longtime buddy. I hate that he is not still here. I just love my friend.

My prayers are with the Sutliff family. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Richard was my voice teacher when I was in high school and I had the privilege of being in the musical

Oklahoma! at Discoveryland with him when he was playing the part of Judd. Many fun memories of doing that together and singing together at First Methodist inTulsa. I remember how he loved his boys. Blessings on the Sutliff family.

I knew Rich in high school.

I sang in the choir with him. My sister dated him and was his accompanist for many of his solos.

He was a great talent even then.

Heartfelt sympathy to Joel, Aaron, Daniel and families. We loved Rich. Loved being in the music ministry with him at First United Methodist Church. His voice stirred deep worship in the congregation. One very favorite memory of him was his role of Judd in Discoveryland's Oklahoma! We always enjoyed jovial conversation when

we would run into each other somewhere in Tulsa. He was our daughter's voice teacher and coach. We love his family, too. Glad to see he has some very precious grandchildren to carry on the Sutliff legacy.

Much love,

Joyce and Ed Grimes