Will Hutcheson Obituary

Will Hutcheson

Age 42 passed away at his home in Olympia, WA, on November 27, 2010, due to complications of Cystic Fibrosis.
Will was born with this life-shortening genetic disease on August 13, 1968 in Lawrence, Mass., to parents Doug and Ann Hutcheson. Although it required time-consuming daily treatments and medications, Will always treated his disease as secondary to his life. He completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University where he was a Governors Scholar and a member of the JV crew team. He then earned a law degree from the University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University Law School). He was admitted to the bar and practiced criminal defense law in Olympia for a number of years before his disease made further work impossible.
In 2001, Will received the life-saving gift of a double-lung transplant, performed at the University of Washington Medical Center. After his transplant, Will decided not to return to law and was instead active with Olympia Area Rowing, where he coached high school students and adults, sharing his enthusiasm for the sport. He met and married Elizabeth McManus, of Olympia, during this time.
Starting in 2005, Will suffered many post-transplant complications, which eventually resulted in his death. Will was always surprised by the bad days, and always hoped he would beat the odds and have stable health again. Will enjoyed painting, metal sculpture, and making useful and beautiful things out of scrap and junk. He had a wry sense of humor, a brilliant and inquisitive mind, and could fix or customize anything.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth McManus and 3 ½-year old son Liam Hutcheson (Olympia); parents Doug and Ann Hutcheson (Olympia); sister, brother-in-law and niece Laura , Marc and Katherine Jarsulic (Washington, D.C.); in-laws David and Kay Minton (Olympia), sister-in-law Christine McManus (Monterey, CA), six uncles, and 17 first cousins. He is also survived by his first wife, Trudes Tango (Olympia).
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 10, 2010, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 114 20th Avenue SE, Olympia. Memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.com) or Donate Life America (www.donatelife.net). The most meaningful memorial to Will would be to register as an organ donor and to make your wishes known to your friends and family.
Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.FuneralAlternatives.org
Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.

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Published by The Olympian on Dec. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Will Hutcheson

10 Entries

Marnie Buckland

December 9, 2010

Will made a deep impression on both of my sons with his quiet manner, his personal strength, his ability to push himself to the max, his competitive spirit and his TATTOOs. He was an inspiring coach that taught by example rather than loud orders. Will gleaned a full, rich life from too few years. He will be sorely missed. Marnie Buckland, Olympia

tom

December 7, 2010

I would guess I met Will when he was about 11. He liked my wife and followed her around the house when we came over. I followed his career through the years. The last time I saw him we all had dinner in Anthony's Home Port in Kent. It was a good evening. I remember our BFFs that moved to support their son whenever I pass their old house in Colts Neck. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ronald Scholar

December 6, 2010

I remember riding our bikes, skating all over the neighborhood and sledding down the hill off the side of the house all those years ago. We lost touch after those younger days, but my fond memories of Will and the carefree fun we had always remain.

T Mikulynec-Snyder

December 6, 2010

Dearest Laura, Ann and Doug-You all are in my thoughts a lot lately. I have some fond memories of Will when we were kids growing up. He makes me smile still today. Love and prayers your way.

Torene and Rich Tango-Lowy

December 6, 2010

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." ~~Cherokee expression~~
We weep.

December 6, 2010

Will was clearly a very special man. To have accomplished so much despite his health problems is just remarkable. My heart goes out to the entire family. Nancy Miller (New Providence, NJ)

Pat Moore

December 5, 2010

Will's light continues to shine from coast to coast. My heart is weeping for the deep sense of loss for all who knew and loved him. I always thought he was the coolest little kid and he turned out to be a splendid man who carried hope in his heart. I am grateful to the Hutcheson family for so many reasons. My love, my prayers and my hope for comfort and grace are yours, Ann, Doug, Laura, Will's wife and his son and extended family.

Maura O'Leary

December 5, 2010

Will should never be remembered for his illness, but rather for the inspiration he was to the community. As my first rowing coach, he inspired me more than I can describe. Will showed me more than just how to row, he showed me how to be kind and optimistic, and was a role model for how I want to live my life. Thank you, Will, for being yourself: a kind and wonderful man, and inspiring so many of us over the years. We will all miss you. You and your family have my prayers and condolences.

Peter Plimpton

December 5, 2010

Courageous man. An inspiration. You are sorely missed. Your spirit lives on. My heart goes out to Elizabeth and Liam and the rest of your family and friends. Peace.

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