Ken Hutchinson

By By

PRICE-Kenneth Burton “Hutch” Hutchinson passed away on March 7, 2011 following a valiant battle with cancer.
He was born in Crestone, Colo. on Dec. 13, 1917 to William J. and Pearl Chafee Hutchinson.
Ken’s life was marked by a love of learning, a satisfying and successful career, a devotion to service, a love of the outdoors and travel, a passion for team sports and big band music, a sense of humor that put smiles on many faces, and a wealth of family and friends who loved him dearly.
Ken served his country honorably as a Captain in the Quarter Master Corps. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Mining Engineering. His career took him to Arizona for the copper mines, to New Mexico and Moab for potash mines on behalf of Southwest and Texas Gulf Sulphur, to Australia for an iron ore exploration project for Texas Gulf, to Wyoming to mine trona, and finally to Carbon County where he designed the coal processing plant at Castle Gate.
Hutch was devoted to community service. He was actively involved in the Masons and Shriners. He was a Lifetime Member of the Price Elks Lodge #1150. Whether he was planning for the annual Hoop Shoot, Halloween Ride for children with disabilities, or inspiring others to honor our Veterans, he always brought dedication, joy and humor to everything he did.
Hutch was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting elk, fishing for salmon in Alaska and fly fishing. He was well known for his fine knife-making. Many folks around Carbon County added their names to the waiting list for one of Ken’s unique and well crafted hunting knives.
Travel was another of Hutch’s passions. During his 93 years he saw the world. while living in Australia he and his family were able to visit Japan, Tree Tops Animal Reserve in Kenya and many other destinations. Over the years, he and his wife, Rita made many trips. Their highlights included China, the Mediterranean, Germany (several times) and a cruise along the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Hutch is survived by his wife, Rita Hutchinson, children Kay Russo, Kenneth W. Hutchinson (Char) and step-daughter Charlotte Toothman, step-children Linda Kell, Renata Tomsic (Gary), daughter-in-law, Theresa Hutchinson; grandchildren Abigail, Rhaldon, Ruth, Sakya (Muna), as well as Rita’s grandchildren Jason Tomsic, Heidi Emerson and several great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, by his wife, Ruth Hutchinson; wife, Joyce Hutchinson and son Michael Hutchinson.
He will be deeply missed by all. We were so blessed to have his tenderness and love in our lives for so many years.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rocky Mountain Hospice and the Heirloom Inn.
Memorial service Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 11 a.m., Price Elks Lodge, 23 East 100 North in Price, Utah. Family will receive friends at the Elks Lodge Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. In remembrance of Hutch, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Shriners Hospital for Children, Fairfax Road at Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 or The Price Elk’s Lodge.