JOHN EDWARD HUTCHINGS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN EDWARD HUTCHINGS Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. John passed away on January 7, 2005 at the Grace Hospital at the age of 53. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mona; and daughters, Sarah and Kate; his parents, Stewart and Rhoda Hutchings; his brother Sandy and sister-in-law Betty and their daughter Beth, his sister Susan Shaw and brother-in-law Jim and their children, Jamie and Jennifer, his brother Richard and sister-in-law Liz and their three boys, Roy, Sam and Jack. He will be sadly missed by his mother-in-law Malvina Gauthier; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Patricia (William), Noella, Claudette (Eddie), Simone (Aime), Raoul (Jacqueline), Robert (Dorothy), Marc (Leanne), Dorothy (Terry) Harapiak, Rolande Gauthier; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces and other relatives. John was born in Winnipeg on February 4, 1951. He attended St. John's Ravenscourt School from 1961 to 1969 and had very fond memories of his time spent at the school. He made good friends there and St. John's Ravenscourt meant a great deal to him. John then completed an Honours degree at the University of Manitoba. He had fond memories of his time at St. John's College. In 1973 John was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study philosophy, economics and politics at Oxford University. During this time, he developed good friendships and thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent rowing in the Blue Boat for Oxford. He rowed for Oxford in the 1975 Oxford-Cambridge Universities Boat Race. John studied French for a year at the Universite de Tours in France before returning to Canada to complete the chartered accountancy program. John spent 20 years nurturing an accountancy practice before turning it over to two trusted colleagues. He then worked as Executive Director of the Manitoba Lung Association and the Sanatorium Board of Manitoba, a position he held until illness prevented him from doing any more work. John was dedicated to his work and to his clients but he always made time for his girls and our golden retriever Chessie. He was a wonderful father who strived to help his girls become capable and confident people. He was completely devoted to his family and was a loving husband, son and brother. He cherished wonderful memories of summers spent at the family cottage at Malachi. John manifested a keen and genuine interest in people throughout his life and lovingly maintained long-lasting friendships. He was a gifted communicator and a wonderful listener. All who knew him understood the meaning of integrity, hard work, loyalty, compassion, courage and selflessness. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Patricia Harris, the nurses and staff on 4S at the Grace Hospital, as well as the nurses at the Grace Cancer Care and Health Sciences Centre Cancer Care for their care and support. We want to thank Dr. Steve Coyle and Dr. Toby Rutner for their compassionate support throughout John's illness and we sincerely thank all the people who took the time to visit, to call or to write during these difficult months. Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at the College Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, St. John's College, 92 Dysart Rd. at the University of Manitoba Campus at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15. If desired, donations can be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermott Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillvray Blvd. - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2005