Mr Gerald Middleton Hutchinson

Rev. Dr. Gerald M. Hutchinson March 23, 1914 – April 14, 2015 “A gentleman and a gentle man” Gerry died peacefully in his sleep on April 14, 2015, surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived and warmly loved by his sister-in-law Lorna; children Ken (Kathy), Beth, and Rob (Judy); grandchildren Jennifer, Sean, Tim, Owen and Greg, and great-grandchildren Suzy, Adam, Theo, and Olivia as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his loving wife Miriam, daughter-in-law Jean, son-in-law Michael, his parents Lew and Barbara Hutchinson, and his nine brothers and sisters. Gerry married Miriam in 1942. He completed his divinity degree in 1943, and was ordained into the ministry of The United Church of Canada that spring. Gerry’s work was greatly influenced by his childhood on the farm in Duhamel, his study of agriculture, and his years working with the Student Christian Movement, known for its openness to new ideas and thrust for social justice. Gerry went on to a long career at the provincial and national levels of the United Church, as well as with congregations in Telfordville, Edinburgh, Edson, Grande Prairie and Grenada. He and Miriam enjoyed an active retirement at Pigeon Lake. Gerry developed a keen interest in the history of the Canadian west. A simple question about the name Mission Beach at Pigeon Lake led to fifty years of researching early contact between Aboriginal peoples and Protestant missionaries. His research in Canada, England and Australia led to the publishing of several papers and books, which are available for study and research at the Provincial Archives of Alberta. He was instrumental in the establishment and development of Rundle's Mission. Throughout his career he worked to foster and improve relationships between the Church and Aboriginal communities. Gerry was a man of great intelligence, curiosity, humour, courage and strength. He gave and received much love and support from family, old friends and new acquaintances. Please join us in remembering him for a life marvellously lived, at a service to be held at St. Andrew's United Church (9915 - 148 street, Edmonton) on May 19th, 2015 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow. Should you wish to make a donation in his name, please consider The Nature Conservancy (alberta@natureconservancy.ca) or the Rundle's Mission Hutchinson Fund (Box 12 site 8 RR1, Thorsby T0C 2P0). The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the people of Laurier House Lynnwood: residents, staff and management. Your loving support for Gerry and Miriam these past years has been wonderful and greatly appreciated.

Mr Gerald Middleton Hutchinson

March 23, 1914 - April 14, 2015