Robert (‘Bob’) Hutchinson died peacefully January 11, 2023, at the age of 91. He will be greatly missed by his son David, daughter Jane (Curt), 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues. Bob’s loving wife Diana (Fraser) pre-deceased him June 28, 2021, as well as his daughter Pamela July 12, 2015.
Bob was born in Vancouver, BC to John and Helena (Boldrick) Hutchinson on June 23, 1931. After graduation from Lord Byng high school in 1949, he began working in the construction business, a path that led him to successfully run his own construction company for 30 years.
In his youth, Bob’s family spent their summers at the family cottage at Woodlands near Deep Cove, North Vancouver. It was there that he met his future wife Diana, the true love of his life. They married in 1955 and experienced many wonderful activities together, including skiing, tennis, overseas travel, and especially sailing. Bob and Diana were long time members of the West Vancouver Yacht Club and enjoyed great friendships and wonderful adventures sailing along the coast of BC. They lived in West Vancouver for 40 years then retired (1996) to Woodlands.
Bob loved life and made the most of every day. He was passionate about waterfront living and would spend as much time swimming, boating, and fishing. He was great father, could always be counted on to volunteer for various causes, and will always be remembered as a friend to so many people. His outlook on life was to always be open, loving and engaged. He saw the good in people, was there to lend a hand if needed, and always had time for conversation.
Bob and Diana were long time members of the Parish of St. Francis-in-the-Wood, West Vancouver, and the former Parish of St. Clare in the Cove, Deep Cove, and more recently Christ Church Cathedral. Their service to the greater diocese included serving as co-chairs of “Bishop’s Friends”. Both Bob and Diana were invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster in the inaugural year of 2009 in recognition of their decades of service at St. Francis-in-the-Wood.
Here are their Citations:
Mr. Robert Hutchinson – St. Francis-in-the-Wood
Bob has served as a Warden at St. Francis-in-the-Wood, and is now member of St Clare-in-the-Cove. In his professional role as a construction engineer, Bob has given invaluable advice and guidance to parishes in the diocese.
Mrs. Diana Hutchinson – St. Francis-in-the Wood
Diana has served in almost every leadership capacity at St. Francis-in-the-Wood and now, serves as Bishop’s Warden at St. Clare-in-the-Cove. Diana and Bob also serve as co-chairs of the Bishop’s Friends Group in the diocese.
(article prepared with files from the Reverend Carla McGhie and First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens)
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Bob Hutchinson following his investiture into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster on All Saints Day, November 1, 2009. Photo Wayne Chose
Diana and Bob Hutchinson pose for a photo on November 1, 2009. Photo: Courtesy of Carla McGhie