John Hutchinson
John Edward Hutchinson, 83, of Moncton New Brunswick, passed
away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital on December 19, 2020,
following a lengthy battle with heart disease and COPD. He was born on
November 20, 1937 in Bridgetown, NS, the only child of the late John
Ashby Hutchinson of Centrelea, NS and the late Hattie May (Wheelock)
Hutchinson formerly of Clarence, NS.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Alice Miriam
(Cooper) formerly of Belisle, NS and four children; Margaret Nan (Marc
Helberg) of Philadelphia, John David (Yanisledis Quintana Coba) of
Holguin, Cuba, Neil Ashby (Charlotte Burke) of Mississauga, ON and
Edward Richard Robie (Elizabeth Jellett) of Cambridge, ON. John is
also survived by seven grandchildren; Samuel David Helberg and John
Edward Helberg of Philadelphia, Sydney Jennifer Hutchinson of
Mississauga, ON; Elyse Isabella Hutchinson, John Eric Hutchinson and
Everett Roderick Neil Hutchinson of Cambridge, ON; and John Neil
Hutchinson Quintana of Holguin, Cuba.
John graduated from Bridgetown Regional High School (56)
Acadia University (BSc. 59) Dalhousie University (BEng 61) and the
University of Western Ontario (MBA 67). A professional engineer, he
worked in a variety of manufacturing operations both as a manager and
as a consultant. He retired from the Public Service of Canada in
1997.
John served 9 years in the RCAF and flew more than 2000 hours
as a radio navigator in anti submarine patrols out of RCAF Stn.
Greenwood, NS. He also served 26 years in the Canadian Army Primary
Reserve rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of 32
(Moncton) Service Battalion from 1988 to 1992. John was also member of
First Moncton United Baptist Church where he served 12 years on the
Board of Trustees.e He was a past master and 50+
year member of the Masonic Lodge and member of #24 Zetland Lodge in
Shediac, NB. John was also a member of the Kinsman Club
Beyond his contributions to his country and his profession,
John was most proud of his family, and looked forward to spending as
much time with them as possible. In his later years would regale his
grandchildren with stories, injecting a great sense of humor and often
following his own advice of « never letting the truth get in the
way of a good story. » He cherished his time with friends,
engaging them in games of bridge, and fishing with his best friends as
on the Miramichi . The product of these trips, his smoked salmon, was
beyond legendary.
John was also a lifelong nature enthusiast, and he spent many
enjoyable hours hunting, and working outdoors, creating lasting
memories for his children. John was also an avid reader and became
somewhat of a scholar on the American Civil War.
John’s favorite poet was Robert Service, whose poem
« The Cremation of Sam McGee », was an all-time favorite. He
would often recite it, not yet recognizing how relevant the line,
« The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not
give in », would be to describing his final years. While
John’s trail became harder, he did not give in, displaying
the strength and determination he applied to most aspects of his life
and which is captured by a quote he shared with his family,
« Remember Hattie’s motto, ’If you can make
this world a little better for your having passed this way, then your
life is not in vain.’ We each must do the best we can in our
own way! »
A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined in
the future, and his ashes will be interred in the Bridgetown cemetery
at a later date.
Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton
(858-1995) in care of arrangements.
In memory of John, donations to First Baptist Church Moncton
(www.firstmoncton) would
be appreciated. Online condolences for the family may be shared on the
Fergusons Funeral Home Facebook page or at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Hutchinson 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick