Michael David Hutson

Michael David Hutson was born in Madison, Iowa, on August 28, 1944. He moved to Orange, California when he was nine years old, and has remained in Orange County his entire life. Dave graduated from Orange High School, and completed some junior college. He earned his pilot's license and began flying helicopters when he was 18 years old. He was destined for great things to come in the construction industry. Dave and Linda owned American Backhoe Inc. for 39 years, and were very successful. David was the owner, but always willing to jump on a piece of equipment and get dirty when needed. They raised their family in Orange and Villa Park California. Throughout his life, Dave liked his toys, and gathered them well. He had boats, jeeps, vans, toyboxes, motorcycles, dune buggies, trailers, golf carts, military and other planes, hangars in Chino and Havasu, and eventually a beautiful Havasu home. In 1986, David built his Havasu "Happy Place" in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Just to make sure that nobody could block his view of the lake, he owned the lot behind his home as well. He was a long time member of the Campbell Boat Club, proudly driving his 24', 1974 Campbell. He would say it was the "Cadillac of Boats." In his early years, he was also active in the Orange County Motorcycle Club. Dave and Carolyn were married April 26, 2003, and more adventures began. They were on the water, on a trail, or in the air somewhere! After Dave retired, he divided his time between Lake Havasu and Orange, and developed invaluable friendships in both locations. He taught his grandchildren wakeboarding, fishing, boating, jeeping, tubing, and so many other fun skills. Many friends and family have shared special moments and wild weekends at their Havasu home. He loved his snacks in a cove, rum and cokes in the spa, beef jerkey just about anywhere, wearing his headphones to watch TV, finding new roads to the Desert Bar, and doing "fly-bys" just for kicks. If he was yelling "CLEAR!", we knew we were going somewhere fun. Everyone who knew and loved Dave would agree that he is in heaven with the shiniest boat and plane available, and he is lathering up sunscreen that contains minimal SPF for his day on a beautiful lake. He is in the arms of his daughters, Carrie and Jamie, and he can feel true peace. Dave passed away November 17, 2017, and we will miss him dearly. He leaves behind his brother Dale, his wife Carolyn, his daughter Michelle, and his grandchildren Allison and Taylor. His devoted friends and family won't say goodbye to Dave, so we will just say "See ya later."