A GoFundMe page to help defray expenses for the family of Timmy Sutphin of Ocean Beach, who recently died, raised $34,000 in less than 72 hours, organizers said.

“It is with a very heavy heart we share that the Sutphin family has experienced an absolute tragedy: Timmy, Sabrina’s husband, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the young age of 43,” said Andrew Baker, GoFundMe organizer. “Sabrina and Timmy co-owned Northside Tavern (formerly Mother’s Saloon) at 2228 Bacon St., which burned down in January 2021, shortly after they purchased it during COVID. The entire community got together to support and they rebuilt.”

Added Baker: “The Sutphin family has been a staple in our OB community for decades. Timmy Sutphin was not only an incredible man, he was an amazing father, a supportive husband, and a great friend to all he encountered.

Words cannot describe what Sabrina and their sons are going through at this time. We are heartbroken, confused, and trying to figure out how to process this and take the next step forward. We know many people love Sabrina and her family and will want to reach out to her immediately, but she has requested privacy for her and her kids until further notice.”
Baker said the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/bf656d92 was set up for Sabrina, and her two sons Andrew and Logan. “We know there will be a lot of love flowing her way and we would love to help alleviate some of the financial stress,” Baker noted. He added, “Now is our turn to show our love back to the family. Donations will go directly to Sabrina, Andrew, and Logan and we appreciate everyone’s ongoing support. All messages and support can be directed to the GoFundMe.”

On Northside Tavern’s Facebook page, the Sutphins shared updates on how they bounced back from the fire in their pub on Friday, Jan. 23, 2021.

“We were initially shocked and that quickly turned into being overwhelmed by the challenges but we were determined to get through it,” said the pub’s owners. “We’ve always known Ocean Beach was a great community. That’s one of the reasons why we chose to be a part of it. But being on the receiving end of the kindness we saw was just unbelievable. We were so moved by the number of people that came by, offered help, offered donations, or well wishes and it meant the world to us.”

“Even members of the fire department came back down and helped us cover the roof to avoid further water damage,” continued the pub’s Facebook page post. “They did not have to do that, and we cannot thank them enough for everything they did to assist our team. Thanks to San Diego Fire Department, specifically, Fire Stations 20, 22, and 15. We are forever in their debt. Thanks to their efforts, everyone was OK, and we will forever have gratitude to our Ocean Beach community.”

Colin and Shelby Wickersheim ended their tenure as owners of then Mother’s Saloon in May 2020 after being unable to reach an arrangement with the building’s landlords. Most feared the pub was finished. But in came Sabrina Sutphin, Jason Micozzi, and Tom North to resurrect the establishment.

An OB resident for nearly 20 years, Sutphin had worked at nearby Lucy’s Tavern for 16 years. Micozzi was also a Lucy’s alum of almost 10 years who had also worked at Tilted Stick. North was a longtime bartender at Lamplighter and was the San Diego CityBeat bartender of the year in 2006.

“We’re just three friends who had a dream that we’re now living,” said Sutphin at the time of the trio’s takeover. She added they wanted to keep things simple “so we chopped the extensive menu and made it quick beach eats with breakfast on weekends.”

During the transition, the new owners opted to change the name of the establishment to Northside Tavern and they transformed their expansive parking lot into a 2,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden. They installed umbrellas and misters along with four outdoor televisions and another four inside. The bar also added a few top-notch local bartenders.