Obituary of Douglas Ernest "Hutch" Hutchinson

Halifax, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, the son of the late Florence (Garant) and Ernest "Ernie" Hutchinson, he left at an early age to join the Canadian Armed Forces. One of the highlights of his naval career was his involvement in the commissioning of the HMCS Algonquin. After serving twenty eight years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Chief Petty Officer First Class, he went on to enjoy a second career in the oil and gas exploration industry in Northern Canada working for Dome Petroleum and Canmar. Doug was a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan! His favorite games were matches against the Habs where he could enjoy some friendly rivalry with his old pal Nick. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and looked forward to hunting season every fall with his Wentworth buddies and the summer time fishing trips back to Flin Flon. Doug absolutely loved life and all of those who were a part of it. He was a supporter of the community. He coached Spryfield Little League baseball and minor hockey. He was also president of the Chebucto Minor Hockey Association. As well he was president of the RCNA Peregrine from 2001 to 2007. Hutch loved music and every holiday season would open his doors to friends and neighbours to his annual Christmas party (hat party) where all enjoyed a sing-a-long led by Hank Shields. He is survived by his daughter Cheryl Murphy, sons Harley Hutchinson and Scott Hutchinson (Paula), grandchildren Jacqueline Murphy, Douglas and Mitchell Hutchinson and brothers Ron Hutchinson (Bunny), Ken Hutchinson (Jane) and Eugene Hutchinson. He was predeceased by his loving and supportive wife of fifty-four years, Shirley Hutchinson and his son Raymond Hutchinson. Arrangements are under the care of J.Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Rd. (477-5601), where visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, from 7-9 PM. Funeral service will take place Friday, September 5, 11:00 AM from St. Paul’s United Church, 173 Old Sambro Rd., Rev. Jeanne Manning Stright officiating. Interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Bedford Hwy. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. Doug’s family offer their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Jillian Peterson and her staff of ‘The Knolls of Glen Arbour’ for the personal devotion and joy that they brought to his life. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses on the ninth floor of the Abbie J. Lane for their caring and personal attention.