John.McHutchison

JOHN MCHUTCHISON
October 1, 1937 – June 18 , 2023

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of John McHutchison in hospital on Sunday June 18th. John had been ill and in hospital for some time.

In the words of John's daughter Sandy, he was, "a gem, steadfast and true, and the most amazing coach and mentor".  In accordance with John's wishes, a private interment will take place later this summer.

Please keep Sandy and the rest of the McHutchison family in your prayers during this difficult time. Condolences can be delivered through the office and will be passed on to the family.

OBITUARY

John, aka BBBJ (Big Bad Bearded John), Triple F (Fabulous Famous Father), McGee, and Financial Advisor John, passed away on Father’s Day,  Sunday, June 18, 2023, (because only the very best go on Father’s Day) at the age of 85 years.

John is survived by his son Andrew McHutchison, his wife Leanna, and two grandsons Ethan and Myles; and his daughter Sandra Riediger, her husband Darryl, and grandsons, Logan, Hunter, Colby, and only granddaughter Shayla. John is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews in the UK and USA. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Sheila (nee Wood) McHutchison; and by his sister Isabella “Eadie” Angus.

John was born on October 1, 1937, in Elderslie Renfrewshire, Scotland to his parents, Thomas Whyte McHutchison and Annie Semple (nee Logan) McHutchison. During his RAF National Service, he met his beloved wife, Sheila, they married and started a family. Their adventure together led them from Scotland to Canada. Dad’s love for his family was apparent in everything he did.

Dad worked at The Bank of Scotland for 17 years, and after immigrating to Canada in 1970, he worked for The Bank of Montreal for 30 years. His infectious sense of humor and strong work ethic fostered many lifetime friendships. Always a proud Scotsman, you could find him addressing the haggis on Robbie Burns day, playing bagpipes, and pouring the Black and Tans or a “wee dram” of Scotch! He was the king of nicknames, so he gave his grandchildren their “Mc” names which they cherish and is a tradition they will pass down to the next generation.

Dad enjoyed golf, woodworking, and gardening. He was an avid volunteer with The Parkinson’s Society in Edmonton and Calgary as well as the Men’s Groups at McDougall, South Cooking Lake, St. David’s, and St. Matthews United Churches.

He certainly lived well, laughed often, and loved much! Rest peacefully Dad, we will miss you every day, but we know you will watch over us as you always have. We will love you forever XXX.

At Dad’s request, no funeral or celebration of life service will be held. There will be a family interment in the McDougall United Church Memorial Garden right next to Mom at a later date.

We would like to thank all the staff at Carewest Colonel Belcher for their exceptional care, compassion, laughter, and singing for the three years Dad lived there. You all are amazing!

If you desire donations can be made in Dad’s honor to The Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or The McDougall United Church Memorial Garden at https://www.mcdunited.com/donate

Quotes from family and friends of a life well lived:

“I count myself very fortunate to have had such a wonderful Dad. He was always supportive, very generous, and had a big heart. He put our family first and never gave us a bum steer with his advice. I will miss him but know that he is always in our hearts. Love You, Dad. Enjoy your next adventure.” Andrew (McFadgin)

“Dad was a gem, steadfast and true, and the most amazing coach and mentor. You taught us well; we will pass your wisdom down through generations. I will love you forever Dad…give Mom one of your huge hugs from us.” Sandy Girl (McSquackle).

“He gave the grandkids their “Mc” names as he was Scottish in his core. He gave me the “Triple D” (Dearest Darling Daughter-in-law) and had the best bear hugs. He was a wonderful father in every regard.” Leanna (Triple D, Dearest Darling Daughter-in-law)

“Thank you, Dad. Thank you for being the kind, caring and loving Dad that you were. Dad’s family values are something that I hold dearly, and his calming spirit will always be with me. Eternal love, DDD” Darryl (Triple D, Dearest Darryl Dude)

“Grandpa always knew what to do in every situation, very smart and knew what to say and do, I will miss his advice.” Logan (McTavish)

“Grandpa was the toughest guy I have ever known, his smile lit up a room even with all his health issues. I will miss his hugs and how he went out of his way to make each of us feel loved!” Hunter (McDuff)

“Grandpa always handled everything with thought and logic, nothing phased him. I am going to miss him very much.” Colby (McNabb)

“I will deeply miss his Scottish names and remarks, along with his humble and kind presence. Above all, I will miss his bear hugs, and how he always called me his favorite granddaughter.” Shayla (McGoo)

“Grandpa was one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known. I will always miss his loving and caring nature.” Ethan (McGinty)

“Grandpa was the most caring person that I know. I will miss his sense of humour and his big caring heart.” Myles (McGerk)

“Your Dad is one of those rare men who modelled integrity and strength, without taking himself too seriously. He was a light in this world.”

“Your Dad was an inspiration to everyone - how he took such loving care of your Mother!”

“A pillar of the family. Always full of sage advice and kind thoughts and words.”

“His wonderful stories and great sense of humor kept me coming back for more!” 

“Always good conversations, and laughter, even as he struggled with so many health challenges.”

“Your Dad’s love and devotion to your Mom was so inspiring. a truly wonderful couple. Our lives have been enriched by their friendship.”

“It was a pleasure to work and know him. I always remember his wonderful smile and willingness to talk for a few moments”

“Great reunion in heaven for sure and great memories to continue the legacy.”

“Your Dad was a smashing man and I loved spending time with him when I visited Canada, they will be off on adventures together again now.”

“Best Man at our wedding a long time ago. RIP John, many memories of our time at RAF Sandwich!”

“We here in Scotland, are really sad to hear this news.”

“He was a wonderful man and dear Uncle. He was always so supportive and thoughtful, and we have a lot of happy memories of the times we spent in Canada with him and Aunt Sheila.”

“He was such a fine man, so easy going, so easy to talk to.  I admired the way he cared for your mom and tried to make her life as full and easy as it could be.“

“He has done a remarkable job of being there for you and the rest of his family & friends.”

“He was indeed a real gem in so many ways! As husband, father, grandfather, friend, banker, churchman, singer, volunteer, and kind human being, he shone!”

“And his pride in all of you, his dear family, very much in evidence, as always.”

“His full, rich, productive and kind life is complete.”