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Richard Hutchison Obituary
He didn't live long but he lived well. Rick knew how to form lasting relationships and conversation came easily and naturally to him. He could have an interesting, effortless one with a pauper or a king and would treat both with the same respect. People who knew Rick well considered him a "Renaissance Man". He had a sharp mind and a keen wit and was as comfortable discussing Plato or Socrates as he was discussing Einstein or Madam Curie.
Rick is survived by his wife, Debra; sons Joshua Hutchison (Vilena), Benjamin Hutchison and Ari Hutchison (Elke Albrecht); brother and sister-in-law, John (Sonny) and Mary Anna Hutchison; sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Dick Kaukas; nieces and nephews, Jenny Lee Kaukas (Dan Quinn), Robin Kaukas (Max Brown), Heidi Sarche (Rob), Megan Lareau (Brett), Dustin Hutchison, and Lynn Hutchison. He is also survived by four exceptionally brilliant and beautiful great-nieces and great-nephews. And, of course, his two canine loves, Rupa and Pip.
A memorial celebration of Rick's life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 4 p.m. at the Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or the Kentucky Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hutchison
Sponsored by Gail Kaukas & Sonny Hutchison - Rick's sister and brother.
Jim Hargett
March 3, 2025
I still think of Rick often .... I miss him so much.
Jim Hargett
March 3, 2023
Rick: I still think of you often and miss you so, so much. You are my best friend ever and will always be.
jim hargett
Jim Hargett
March 3, 2022
Rick: I still think of you often .... miss you so much.
Rick and me (Jim Hargett), 2009?
Jim Hargett
March 3, 2019
Rick: You are not forgotten, nor ever will be. My book on Chinese travel writing, with this photo and a dedication to you "The best man I ever knew; The best friend I ever had" is now published. I miss you, my friend.
jim
Cybele Lane
March 6, 2012
I hadn't heard from Rick for a long while, so did a search and found this tribute. I would like to add to the stories of Rick's kindness. He spent a full day helping me, a stranger, try to reconnect with my Henry County roots, driving my son and me all over the county, sharing lively stories of ancient buildings and reminiscences of the land and people. I am so sad to know he is gone and I will always remember him and his generosity.
March 20, 2011
when i was a kid i used to follow him around like he was a big brother. RIP Rick. mike hardy, Valrico Fla.
March 16, 2011
Burnt vegetables
Until a few years ago,
I thought I did a pretty good job
on the Thanksgiving vegetables,
browning the broccoli to perfection,
brazing the brussel sprouts
to a deep green-gold
searing the carrots
to a glistening orange flecked with charcoal.
Ricky, my brother-in-law, always stood
in the tight little circle around the stove,
waching me cook, an enigmatic smile on his face.
This went on for a couple of decades.
Then one year, as I walked toward the kitchen
to do my traditional holiday chores,
Rick grinned and reminded the group to join me.
“It’s time,” he said,
“to watch Dick burn the damn carrots again.”
He took over after that.
The carrots weren’t too crisp any more,
the brussel sprouts a bit more tender.
I can see him at the stove,
adjusting the flame, stirring deliberately.
So now it’s hard for me to believe
that Rick, the funny guy with the gentle hand,
so good with vegetables and people,
is gone.
I suspect I’ll tell the carrot story
every Thanksgiving from now on
until I join him.
Dick Kaukas
David Rosenberg
March 13, 2011
Oh golly. The first I heard of any of this was about 10:45 Friday night.
The memorial service today was so wonderful and the slide show went through me like a truck.
I don't think I have ever met a finer human than Rick. The stories that were told captured Rick's character, wit, generosity and intellect.
I still remember the time he had an AMC Gremlin and he told me that he refused to put oil into it because he didn't want the car to get used to it.
I get a little closer to believing this is all true, every time I see his picture in the obit notice. It has been a long time since I was this sad.
I would love to meet Rick's son's as adults, even though they know what a terrific dad he was to them, and a wonderful, wonderful friend to us all.
I'm still kicking myself because after I saw Rick and Debbie last Thanksgiving Weekend at Feeders' Supply... we ended with, "we must get together." We didn't.
Prayers for the families from my heart.
March 12, 2011
I knew Rick and Sonny in High School and thought a lot of both of them. I will remember all of you in my prayers. Here's a Poem I wrote for a friend who lost a loved one. I hope it will give you comfort.
A New Life
Our loved ones don't die, they start a new life instead!
They haven't left us, they've just gone on ahead!
We will miss and grieve them, while we're still alive
But they're waiting, with open arms, for us to arrive!
The emptiness and pain, in our hearts, is hard to bear
But their loving memories will comfort us there!
We must look to our family and friends, to lend a hand
And help us on our journey, 'til we leave this mortal land!
Our love still grows for the special people we miss,
Because we still feel the warmth of their touch or kiss!
So, you see, they are still with us in so many ways,
And their love will give us strength 'til our final days!!
by Charles R. Beaven Jr.
Lynn Hutchison
March 12, 2011
He and I were really close. I couldn't believe it when I heard that he died. He will never! Be forgotten Ever!!
Jim Hargett
March 12, 2011
Rick was my best friend. I loved him dearly and he will live on forever in my heart.
Amy Veillon
March 10, 2011
Ben, I'm really sorry to hear about dad. My sympathy goes out to you & your family.
Sara Hargett-Longstreet
March 9, 2011
You will be very missed "Uncle" Rick. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my dad and for being my Godfather. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.
Your God-daugther, Sara
winnie sell
March 9, 2011
sonny & gail, I was so shocked to hear of Ricks illness and passing, We live in Fla for most of the year or I would be there Saturday. I am so sorry for your loss. I have lots of fond memories of our teen years
winnie
Jaye Sparber Bittner
March 9, 2011
May his soul be bound in the bonds of eternal life. May G-d grant you peace. Shalom.
winnie sell
March 9, 2011
sonny
Della Searcy-Brown
March 9, 2011
Ben, I am so sorry to here about your Dad. I never got the pleasure of meeting him,but I've always heard great things about him from Tim. I will always be grateful for the kindnesses he has shown Tim.Our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of such a great loss. Della Searcy-Brown and Tracy Brown
March 9, 2011
I still remember the first time I met guitar playin' cowboy cool "Rick" at the apartment off Buchel Chapel (sp) Lane. He was so cool, but it did not take long to realize that he was an exceptionally sharp and unique person. That first impression of the Rick I met over 35 years ago held true the entire time I knew him. My mother was crazy about him as were all of my friends and family who met him over the years. It was his easy, yet attentive style-always genuinely interested in the other person. Farewell, Rick. Love, Lucy (a.k.a.skinny)
March 9, 2011
Debbies I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. I didn't know him well, but his obit says so much about what a terrific husband, father and person he was. You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Linda Lazar
March 9, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Rick at FRC and he was a friend.
Pat Wooley
Joyce Goldin
March 9, 2011
Debbie,
I am so so sorry about Rick. He was such a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
David Howard
March 9, 2011
Prayers and more prayers are with you during this difficult time. Remember, God always knows what we're going through and will provide comfort during this time.
March 9, 2011
Debbie,
I have worked with Rick for several years. He was a "True Gentleman". I will miss his wisdom and generosity. As my friend Robb states, Rick was a true cowboy. You have my deepest sympathy
Barbara Grumblatt
Ben Langley
March 9, 2011
Rick was full of life and commitment! I will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family!
March 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in the loss of Rick. Marie & Chuck Timberlake, Louisville, Kentucky
Stu Plush
March 9, 2011
Ben, my thoughts are with you and your family in this time of need. I'm truly sorry for your loss. I remember how excited he was when I adopted Rossi.
Holly Hines
March 9, 2011
What an incredible man...Rick your wisdom will live on forever.
Jim Schosser
March 9, 2011
Debbie, we loved Rick, a very gentle man.
Cheryl Fugatte
March 9, 2011
Rick will be missed by all. My prayers are with the family.
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