William R. Hutchinson

Hutch was a my director on many occasions, a fellow actor on others, theatrical mentor and a great friend and inspiration. His contributions to the Richmond community were outstanding and visionary both socially and artistically. His passion for excellence was profound. I am fortunate and blessed to have had him play so important a role in my life. I will miss him. Yet he will always be with me.

Hutch was a very special man who never ceased to be a warm and generous supporter of all the local arts, particularly the efforts of young people in the arts. Hutch was never less than open, giving and tremendously friendly even when the years separated us for various reasons. As my "Richmond Willy Loman", his "death" was a reminder of the man with a great heart and an actor of tremendous emotional capacity.

I'm so sad. I will miss him. He was a formative and dear person in my life.

Ken and I got to know Hutch and his family thru the Boys Clubs. He has been in the circle of our friends since the early 70's. He was a good person and we are sorry to lose him. He leaves us with many good memories. Diane, please accept our condolences. Virley and Ken Andrews, Mechanicsville, VA

Hutch will indeed be missed by many. He was a close family friend since the early 1960's when my mother, Barbara Elliott, went to work for the Boys Club of Richmond. Hutch got me started at age 7 in my passion for theatre arts, and my brother James in his love of film and theatre. He remained a close and supportive friend while my mom and brother struggled through their illnesses. His kindness was humbling. I will always remember it.

Hutch Hutchinson was an early supporter and board member of the Firehouse Theatre Project, and his great wisdom and common sense were invaluable.

My own interest in theater dates back to when as a middle school seeing a performance of "Hamlet ESP" in the basement of the Boys Club during January 1977.

The show was typical of the kind of production Hutch liked: three men playing Hamlet's Ego, Superego and Id.

I told Hutch how during that show the sword of either Rosencrantz or Guildenstern struck my knee and provided me with an enduring sense memory about the experience of living theater.

In 1997 he played writer Clifford Dowdey in my play "Persistence of Memory" and brought to the role a sense of compassion and world-weariness that was spot on.

His gregarious nature, his holiday parties, his enthusiasm for new ideas were components of a great character who did, in fact, signify something.

If I can claim that my life is, on balance, more give than get, it is Hutch's direction that made it so.

But death is no reason to miss a performance, he'll be with me on every stage.

I'm sorry for the loss of such a kind and giving person.The whole family has done so much for the community,and the city of Richmond thru out the years.My regards to all.

Hutch will be missed by many. He shared his talents and gifts, which were many, with innumerable people and made their lives better. A good soul has gone.

Hutch guided and shaped the lives of hundreds of Richmond area boys as Executive Director of the Boys Club of Richmond. He recruited me to the Board of Directors with the admonition, "Don't say no!" Along with his wife, Gloria, Hutch was the founder of the Boys Club International Food Festival. The Festival involved not only his wife, but absorbed his son, Jody, his daughter, Diane and, ultimately, hundreds of people involved behind the scenes to make it a success. The Boys Club International Food Festival started extremely small at the Boys Club building, grew to fill the basement of what is today the Landmark Theater, increased in size at the Arena and became so large only the Coliseum could hold it. The Festival provided a showcase for all the ethnic groups in the area. All the food festivals currently operating owe a debt of gratitude to Hutch for pointing the way.
Hutch was both a theater actor and director. He acted at community theaters, VCU and the Virginia Museum Theater. He introduced many boys to the glitter of the theater with the shows he directed at the Boys Club.
Hutch was also a magician dating back to his teen years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 180, the Richmond magic club. At the time of his death he had agreed to mentor the youth group of magicians that was just being formed.
Hutch touched the lives of more people than most of the rest of us through his professional and volunteer roles. His memory and his legacy will live on.

On behalf of all the staff at Bon Secours Hospice and Palliative Care we wish to extend to the friends and family our deepest sympathy and ongoing support. We hope and pray you will find peace with time. Please feel free to contact me anytime if I can be of help.

Mr. Hutch is and will always be an important person in my life. He gave so much of himself to the Richmond community. I am truly thankful for all the great and wonderful experiences we shared throughout the years. We will miss him but his memory will live on through the boys, girls, men and women he touched. May GOD Blessing be with the family. John R. Logan, Jr. and Family

Hutch made the Boys (and Girls) Club of Richmond the success it is today. My mother worked with him when the International Bizarre 1st took place in the Landmark Theatre (most items sold for 1 or 2 wooden quarters). Her sons were among the 1st "Black" boys to join the Robinson Street facility back in the 60's. Hutch welcomed them like family. His love for young people is his legacy. Job well done!!!

Hutch gave me one of my first jobs at the Boys Club in the late sixties. A fine man to work for and to have known!