Lynn Sutcliffe

Sheldon Lynn Sutcliffe passed away on December 30, 2024, at White Plains Hospital after living his final years with Alzheimer's disease.

Lynn was a devoted husband to his middle school sweetheart, Cathy, and stood by her side with unwavering love and support until her passing from ovarian cancer more than a decade ago.

Throughout his life, Lynn was committed to making the world a better place, and his legacy continues to impact lives today. As General Counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee, he played a key role in passing significant consumer protection legislation, including the landmark airbag safety requirements that remain in place today. As a founding partner of the law firm Van Ness, Feldman & Sutcliffe, Lynn fought for the rights of marginalized communities, including helping the Eskimo tribes of Anchorage and Barrow, Alaska, secure their subsistence whaling quotas and preserve their treaty rights. Later, as a founding member of an energy services company in the late 1980s, Lynn became a passionate advocate for the environment and climate change, long before it was a mainstream cause. His work touched countless lives, and his impact will not be forgotten.

Lynn is survived by his son, Brandon, his daughter, Shelby, and his three grandchildren: Jackie (daughter of Shelby), and Finnegan and Baylen (sons of Brandon). His family will forever cherish the love, wisdom, and warmth he shared with them. In his later years, Lynn found comfort in the simple joys of life-whether playing golf or spending quality time with friends. These moments were a reflection of his appreciation for connection and the bonds that enriched his life.

Throughout his journey, Lynn's legacy as a passionate advocate for others-whether fighting for consumer rights, protecting environmental interests, or championing the needs of indigenous communities-remains an enduring testament to his character. His work touched countless lives and his influence continues to resonate today.