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On Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 6:38 am, at the age of 100, Dennis Hutchinson fired up his P-47 Thunderbolt for the final flight. With a wing tip to his beloved wife of 68 years, Margaret, daughters Debbie McMurray (Rick) and Lori Smith (Garry), grandsons Dennis and Kevin McMurray, step-grandsons Gavin and Matthew Smith, and great-grandson Jase McMurray, he passed fearlessly into the great beyond.
Dennis was born March 19, 1924, in Scarborough, England, and was raised by his grandparents in Leeds. He enjoyed sailing in his youth and in 1942 at the age of 18, answered the call to duty by enlisting in the Royal Air Force. Dennis earned his wings following flight training on Tiger Moth biplanes and Harvard trainers outside Johannesburg, South Africa. His P-47 Thunderbolt Squadron saw action in Burma (now Myanmar), and he was forever grateful to that “tremendously strong plane” for keeping him safe. A pat and a kiss on the wing were not unknown! During his WWII service, he saw many wonders of the world and beautiful sights having travelled additionally to Egypt, India, and Pakistan, among other places. He always counted himself lucky to have had such an opportunity. He said he touched the Great Sphinx of Giza from the saddle of the horse he was riding. Imagine that.
Dennis emigrated to Canada in 1953, met the love of his life, Margaret Robertson McBey shortly after, and married in 1956, settling in Port Credit and Lakeview (now Mississauga). Daughters Debbie and Lori followed, as well as a successful career in sales and service throughout his working life. He enjoyed beach vacations with his family, first renting, then owning a cottage in Wasaga Beach. Dennis and Marg retired to McKellar in 1991, living for 26 years overlooking beautiful Manitouwabing Lake. They worked tirelessly together to create and maintain their lovely gardens for which they were known. At Marg’s side, Dennis was a dedicated volunteer with the Parry Sound Horticultural Society as well as the McKellar Sunshine Senior’s Club and served on their boards for many years. He was a fixture at the McKellar Township Remembrance Day service each year entrusted with the honour of laying the wreath in memory of Fallen Comrades.
Dennis was a music lover and had an extensive catalogue of classical, jazz, and swing records and CDs, in particular. He was always humming; he loved to dance. He was an animal lover too and took great delight in visiting dogs. He enjoyed good wine and interestingly, B movies!
He was a happy man. No matter where in life he lived, be it McKellar, Parry Sound, or Lakeland Long Term Care, when he looked out the window he said, “this is a good place to be.”
Towards the end of his life especially, he identified as a fighter pilot. Second only to his love for his wife and family, his love of flying was the defining essence of his being. Soar high Dennis; beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; we will look to the sky forever with love.
Cremation has taken place. The Memorial visitation will be held at the Torrance Funeral Home on Friday October 18, 2024 from 1 – 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation or All Heart Pet Rescue.
Sunday October 13th 2024
Death notice for the town of: Parry Sound, Province: Ontario
death notice Dennis Hutchinson Sunday October 13th 2024
obituaries notice Dennis Hutchinson Sunday October 13th 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dennis Hutchinson Sunday October 13th 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
