John Barrie HUTCHINGS

July 18, 1941 - September 18, 2024

John died peacefully in his sleep. His loss is deeply felt by his family and a world-wide network of colleagues and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Jessica in 2022, and leaves behind his wife Pat, daughter Claire, his grandchildren Finn and Charlotte, his sister Ann, his extended family, Jim, Ann and Kate Gower, other relatives and many friends.

John grew up in South Africa, studying physics and astronomy at the University of Witwatersrand before completing his PhD at Cambridge University in the UK. In 1967 he moved with Pat to Victoria BC to work as a postdoc at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, where he later joined the staff and remained for the next 55+ years. Though he retired in 2012, he continued his work as a Researcher Emeritus up to his final days. John was a pivotal figure in Canadian Astronomy. Among many contributions, he co-discovered the first black hole outside the Milky Way, was a member of the Hubble Space Telescope team, and was key to Canada's involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope. More on his career can be found on the NRC and NASA webpages

Beyond his scientific contributions, John was a devoted family man and good friend. Behind his sometimes gruff exterior was a heart of gold. He was generous and kind, with a wry wit and dry sense of humour. He will be remembered for his cooking and appreciation of wine and whiskey, his love of travel and great affection for India, his t-shirts, his birthdays on the beach and memorable Christmas parties, his wild hair, and his love of writing. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

We will celebrate his life in the spring, a chance to remember him together (with a glass of wine in hand).