Robert Berry Hutchinson

1919 - 2014

Robert Berry Hutchinson

Robert Berry Hutchinson passed away peacefully on August 1st at the age of 94. Bob was born in Seattle on December 28th, 1919 and grew up near Shelton, WA. Robert's parents were Guy and Marguerite (Berry) Hutchinson. Guy was a locomotive engineer for Simpson Logging and an official Washington Pioneer, born in Shelton in 1889, just before Washington gained statehood.

Robert played many sports in his youth and met the love of his life while traveling home with his baseball team. The team stopped for a soda near the Hood Canal vacation home of Antonia Wilbur. Toni spotted Bob amongst his teammates and knew he was the one for her. They married in 1941 and started a family, having two children, Bob and Bambi.

Robert earned a scholarship to the University of Puget Sound and played football for three years. He was drafted in the Army during WWII and served 90 days before he applied for a commission in the Navy. Bob was sent to Harvard train as a supply officer and sent to serve in the Pacific.

After the War, Robert "Hutch" went to work for Simpson in Shelton and was quickly transferred to the accounting department in Seattle. This began a career spanning 40 years until retiring as VP of finance. Only to be followed by another 12 years on the board of directors.

In addition to serving as board member of many companies, Robert also gave back through service in many community organizations including Salvation Army, Pacific Science Center, NW Kidney Center, United Way, Red Cross, and The Rainier Club. Hutch was president of the Washington Athletic Club in 1972 and member of The 101 club since 1971.

Bob has many professional accomplishments, but was most happy spending time with family and friends, especially if it involved a round of golf. After retirement, Hutch could be found playing at Seattle Golf Club in the summer or at Bermuda Dunes Country Club while wintering in the desert with Toni. Toni and Hutch traveled many places, but none was as special to them as Hood Canal where they spent summers watching their two children grow and family expand into five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. To the kids, he was Bapa. We love you, Bapa.