Clifford Allan
Hutchinson – 72, of Truro, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2021,
at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. He was a loving father, a
gifted and beloved educator, and a loyal friend. He had a brilliant
mind, rapier wit and a kind heart.
Born in Toronto, ON,
Cliff was a son of the late Fred and Elsie (Cooper) Hutchinson. He was
a ‘navy brat’ who grew up in Owen Sound; Shannon
Park, Dartmouth, and Chester, NS. He became a Queen’s Scout,
lifeguard, swim instructor and a tea drinking winning bridge player.
Cliff’s flatmates at Teachers College called him
‘Mom’ due to his impressive cooking
skills.
Cliff taught school in
Dartmouth for 33 years. While at Bel Ayr Junior High, Eric Graves
Junior High and Prince Andrew High School, he obtained a
Master’s Degree from Dalhousie and St. Mary’s
Universities. Cliff’s honours students respectfully
addressed him as Sir, and appreciated his unconventional, dynamic
teaching style. He delighted in seizing the ‘teachable
moment’ with everyone he met. His business card read,
« He has little Latin and less Greek…the consummate
history pedagogue ».
Cliff was an avid
reader, a shrewd gamer and a Sci-Fi fan, whose radio was always tuned
to CBC. He was the consummate host who loved to entertain family and
friends. When not caring for his beautiful Dartmouth home and Druids
Close, his farmhouse on the beach, Cliff adored wilderness camping and
canoeing with the family at Keji. He was a world traveler whose many
adventures took him to five continents. He knew the ancient history of
every place, but was harder-pressed to locate modern amenities. His
incredible memory and thirst for knowledge ensured he was always on
the winning team in trivia contests, although he was told not to
return to a British pub in Portugal as the other expats were tired of
losing.
After Cliff retired to
the Gulf Shore/Pugwash area, he discovered a talent for carving
beautiful wooden Santas, fishing boats and walking sticks. He also
stayed active through community volunteerism. He served as the
chairman of the Gathering of the Clans Canada Day festival; was on the
board of the CO-OP, serving as president for his last two years, and
helped build the curling club, where he curled for many years with
friends.
Cliff is survived by
Donna; daughter, Kim (Steve Clayton), Riverview, NB; brother, Fred
(Jane), Old Barns, NS; and sister, Carol-Anne (Lorne Pike), Bedford,
NS; plus, many nieces, nephews and a godson. Along with his parents,
he was predeceased by his sister, Colette.
At Cliff’s
request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of
flowers, you may donate to your local food bank, or the charity of
your choice, in his honour. Arrangements have been entrusted to
Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Cliff’s obituary on-line and selecting « Send A
Condolence » at: www.mattatallvarnerfh
1949 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Clifford Allan Cliff Hutchinson 1949 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia