Obituary of Richard C. Hutchison

Rev. Dr. Richard C. Hutchison

November 17, 1933 – May 1, 2023

 

Richard (Hutch) Hutchison was born at home in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania on November 17, 1933, and passed peacefully on May 1, 2023 at Sutter Roseville Medical Center with loved ones by his side.

 

Richard grew up on his parent’s 1,100 acre Shirley-Ayre Farm in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, where his father raised prize-winning Ayrshire cattle. Richard and his brother and sisters worked dipping ice cream and waiting on customers after school at the family dairy store.

 

Richard graduated from Captain Jack Joint High School in Mount Union in 1951.  He then attended Penn State majoring in Agriculture, but after a short while his need to share his Christian faith with others became the focal point of his education.  He first graduated at Juniata College, where he met his first wife Marion Veals.  He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1958.  In 1987 he was awarded a Doctor of Ministry Degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary,  and in 1991 he received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hanover College.

 

His Ordination in Christian Ministry was at the First Presbyterian Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania on January 11, 1959.  Later that year he and his family moved to Indiana to begin his work as Director of Christian Education.  He served as Pastor for several churches in the mid-west before moving to Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado.  In September of 1980 Richard came to Westminster Presbyterian by the Capital Mall in Sacramento where he served the large congregation until May of 1988.  During his time in Sacramento,  State Assembly District #6 awarded him its highest commendation “for his dynamic leadership at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento, and his demonstrated commitment and concern for his congregation.”  He then served at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana from June 1988 until his retirement in December 1998.  As he often said, he couldn’t stop sharing his faith, so he continued the work he loved by serving several churches in the Sacramento and Reno areas as interim pastor until 2016.  Richard was a kind and inclusive faith leader, and was dedicated to social justice.  He cared for his people and was always available to give comfort and counsel when needed.

 

Richard was a loyal Phillies fan and took great pleasure in watching Penn State football.  He had a special place in his heart for Estes Park, Colorado, where he and his children created many enduring memories.  He loved the Sierra Mountains, where he had a cabin and enjoyed fly fishing.  He was a world traveler, co-hosting many trips for his congregations to Israel, China, Europe and elsewhere.  He had a great humor and wit, and enjoyed sharing many stories whenever there was an opportunity. 

 

Following the end of his first marriage, Richard married his second wife, Patricia Brougher. They shared 37 years together until her death in 2010.  In 2012 Richard met and married his third wife, Joy Sorensen-Reis.  Throughout their eleven years together they appreciated the love and acceptance of each other’s families.

 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Maxwell Hutchison and Lois Vandalia Connor, as well as sisters Maxine, Marjorie and Joanne.  He is survived by his loving wife Joy, his brother Max, and his children Richard L. Hutchison, Thomas Hutchison, Beth Hutchison, Janet Matarrese, John Hutchison, and grandchildren Cody, Briana, and Grant Matarrese. Also mourning his loss are many extended family members including step-children, as well as the countless friends and parishioners he touched throughout his life.  May his memory be a comfort.

 

There will be a private service for this wonderful man on June 3, 2023.  To honor his memory, donations can be sent to Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church, Youth Mission Fund, 5400 Barton Road, Loomis, CA 95650.

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