George Hutchison

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be George Hutchison. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. George was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Born to parents George and Ellen Hutchison, he was raised in Hamilton, Scotland. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. George found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of George's personality throughout his life.

George was raised with five siblings: James, Willie, Jack, Margaret and Ella. George and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another throughout their lives.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, George was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, George was always tactful. One thing George will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, George had a number of interests and was an active child. George loved to go exploring all over Hamilton. He’d be up early visiting farmers or seeing how much of the Duke of Hamilton’s land he could visit, without being caught. These explorations led to an early job, delivering milk for one of the farmers. He was also in Cadets and enjoyed the friendships made along with all of the skills learned.

George was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. George cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On January 2, 1953 George married Margaret Pettigrew Dickson at Miners Hall of Wishaw, Scotland. Compassionate and devoted, George worked hard to make his new wife happy. George and Margaret first met while both working at Traction House in Scotland. George worked on double decker busses and Margaret worked in payroll. They were just young teenagers at the time, George being 16 and Margaret 15. Together, they would make the decision to move to Canada in 1966.

Harmony was important to George and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. George was blessed with one son, Graham. They were also blessed with two grandchildren: Scott and Craig and one great-grandchild, Samuel. George loved his family, each generation bringing him increasing joy. He and Margaret would travel far to be at events with their grandchildren and he always wanted to know if they would see Samuel on the weekend.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to George, and he expected the same from those around him. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. George was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that George handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” George worked for Anderson Boys in their developmental shop where they made mining equipment, but his primary occupation was as a maintenance mechanic while he was employed for Molson Brewery for 20 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, George was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. George served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the British Army, overseas in Egypt. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private. He received an Egyptian Campaign Medal for his service.

George was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. George was always enthusiastic and a great team player. His favourite recreational sport was golf. George also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favourite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf and soccer on the television. More than this, he absolutely loved to watch his grandsons play sports. He travelled from Windsor in the West, to Ottawa in the East and Niagara in the South to watch soccer games, even travelling as far as Cleveland for one tournament! He travelled West to Windsor and Sarnia, South to Niagara and North to Sault Ste. Marie for football. George and Margaret went to so many high school wrestling tournaments that they were adopted as team grandparents.

His high moral standards and traditional values served George well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Classon Church in Scotland where he was also a Deacon and then Knox Galt Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

Not only did George enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favourite places. Favourite vacations included Britain, Florida, Portugal, Caribbean and California.

Since it was easy for George to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, George was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1990. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golfing. Even in retirement, George stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

George passed away on March 5, 2017 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. George was laid to rest in Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge Ontario.

George was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. George was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss George Hutchison.

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Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in his 88th year. He is the beloved husband to Margaret of 64 wonderful years, loving father to Graham (Susan), proud Grandpa to Scott and Craig (Melissa), Papa to Samuel, dear brother to Jack (Margaret) of Scotland and special uncle to Stuart (Anna) Young. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his extended family and friends in Scotland. George was a proud member of Knox’s Galt Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and friends and family are invited to share memories on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650). A private family service will be held in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Children’s Make a Wish Foundation in George’s memory would be greatly appreciated. A very special thank you to the caring doctors, nurses and physiotherapists of Cambridge Memorial Hospital – 3B.