Harold R. “Hutch” Hutchins, Jr., 46, of Rockland, died following a lengthy courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family May 13 at his home.
Born in Rockland, June 8, 1962, he was the son of Harold, Sr. and Jerry Sylvester Hutchins. Hutch was educated locally and was a 1980 graduate of Georges Valley High School.
Beginning his working career while still in high school, Hutch assisted Skip Allen cleaning floors at the school.
Following graduation Hutch spent his winters in Boca Grande, Fla. where he was employed at the Gasperilla Inn. He returned to Maine each summer working in various jobs including masonry and at Crowe Rope. He also continued to work for Skips Commercial Cleaning. Eventually settling into full time employment with the Allens, Hutch worked with that company for over 25 years. He always felt Skip and Alana Allen were his second family.
On June 27, 1987 he married Beth Griffin in Warren. Beth passed away in 1995.
Hutch was a jack-of-all-trades. He took great pleasure in helping his family remodel their homes and had built something for each one of them. One of his greatest joys was using his John Deere tractor to mow his mother’s and anyone else’s lawns. As his illness progressed one of his greatest joys was going to Mr. Tire and “hanging out” at the shop with the “boys”. He also enjoyed playing board games every evening with his family, and teasing his granddaughter with his “candy” cane.
On Oct. 18, 2008 Hutch married Laurie Wallace at Grace Bible Church in Rockland. Together they have enjoyed spending time with their family. He was a family man and never once missed any of the children’s sporting events. Whether it was a chorus concert or a hockey game, he was always there. Even when he was working he would drive by the field just to catch a glimpse. He also loved his dogs, “Gabby”, “Bucky”, “Pumpkin” and “Mocha”.
He was an avid Red Sox, NASCAR and drag-racing fan, especially his favorite driver “Ashley Force”, and enjoyed watching the Lakers.
He was predeceased by his first wife Beth, as well as his grandparents, Arthur and Lillian Watton.
Hutch is survived by his wife Laurie of Rockland; mother, Jerry Sylvester of Thomaston; father, Harold, Sr. and wife Lucinda of Waldoboro; sons, Andrew J. Hutchins of Thomaston, Michael Reed and wife Anna of Rockland, Bret Simmons of Friendship, and Joseph Simmons of Rockland; daughter, Miranda Czosnek and husband Terry of South Thomaston; sisters, Vickie Gerry and spouse Scott of Thomaston, and Pamela Fish and husband Christopher of Owls Head; grandchildren, Alden Louder, Colby Beverage, Lukas Reed, and Lyleigh Reed; niece and nephews, Kyle, Mathew, and Johnathan Gerry, all of Thomaston, and Cody, Chelsea and Caleb Fish, all of Owls Head; father-in-law, Joseph Wallace of Rockland; best friend, Corey Allen of Warren; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to visit 6-8 p.m., Mon., May 18 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. Celebration of his life 1 p.m., Tues., May 19 at Grace Bible Fellowship, 30 Shere Lane, Rockland. Pastor Wallace Simmons will officiate. Burial will follow immediately at the Roadside Cemetery in Friendship. All are invited back to the church following the burial for food and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Fund, c/o PenBay Healthcare, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.
To sign Hutch’s online guest book, please visit www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.
