November 18, 1931 ~ February 25, 2017
Gary Sterling Hutchinson passed away peacefully in his 86th year with his loving wife Carole by his side on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Cariboo Memorial Hospital.
Gary was born in Williams Lake B.C. on November 18, 1931. Early in his life the family moved to Bralorne, Savona and settled in Vancouver. He returned to Williams Lake after attending school in Vancouver and completed high school in Williams Lake.
Gary is survived by his wife of 65 years (granddaughter of R.C. Cotton pioneer rancher from Riske Creek); daughter Penny Hutchinson Robart living in Williams Lake; son Craig Robert Cecil Hutchinson (Ellana) living in Perth, Australia and two grandchildren Jacinta living in Vancouver and Brett living in Perth Australia.
Gary descended from a long line of Cariboo pioneers. His grandparents Harry Curtis and Julia (Dussault), of the Secwepemc (Shuswap Nation). He had many Aunts and Uncles who played an important part in his upbringing in the community. Ray, Collin, Pete and Marvin Curtis, Mabel Midnight, Ollie Norberg Matheson, and Gertie Tressierra.
Gary lived and worked in Williams Lake for most of his life. Work began as a heavy duty mechanic. He also worked in the logging industry, the Department of Highways, BC Equipment, as well as Pinette & Therrien Mill (now Tolko).
Gary served 15 years as a volunteer fireman for the Williams Lake Fire Department. Through the years he also volunteered his spare time towards the inception and building of the original War Memorial Arena and the construction of the Williams Lake Golf and Country Club where it is currently located. Gary was a member and volunteer of the club for over 50 years.
A gifted, lifelong athlete, Gary excelled at many sports, he was well known for his love of hockey and his skill as a player. He played centre and defence with the Junior Pontiacs and the Williams Lake Stampeders for over 20 years.
He was a star player in both hard ball and softball as well a boxer in his early years. He was an avid golfer and played a great game into his 80s. Gary also loved to go bird hunting with family and friends. He was a real outdoorsman in his early years and adventured mostly around the Cariboo Chilcotin.
Gary had a great sense of humour with a dry quick wit. He said what he thought and yet was a man of few words. He always loved a fun party and telling jokes!
He was predeceased by his mother Lillian Hutchinson, nee (Curtis), daughter of Harry and Julia born in Dog Creek; his father Fredrick Hutchinson born in Truro, Nova Scotia and his brothers Don, Jack and Douglas.
Gary leaves behind two brothers and a sister, Robert Hutchinson, Fred Hutchinson (June), and Jennie Walker (John) all living in Williams lake.
Gary also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, whom he spent countless family get-togethers with throughout all the decades, they all loved Uncle Gary; Eddie Hutchinson (Lesley), Debbie Rand (Bill), Cheryl Hutchinson, Kerry Harper (Jon), Kelly Hutchinson (Alison Bellmond), Lori Hutchinson (Greg Dusik), John Walker, Gayle Statton (Ivan), Warren Walker (Darelle) and all their families.
Extended family ties in the community include first cousins Reg Norberg, Tom Curtis, Donna-Rae Ilnicki, Jackie Frizzi. Gary was always involved with family reunions and family gatherings.
Gary’s family will be hosting a Celebration of Life to be held tentatively on August 12th, 2017. Please go to the Curtis Family Facebook page for more information closer to the date. Photos and stories sharing your best memories are welcome and can be posted on the Curtis Family page anytime.
In memory of Gary, donations can be made to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust and Hough Memorial.
The family would like to thank and give gratitude to everyone for their endless support, kindness and empathy.
Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements. 250-392-3234 www.cariboochilcotin.ca