Warren Hutchinson

Warren "Hutch" Ormsby Hutchinson was born in San Francisco on August 22, 1945, to Esther Ormsby Hutchinson and William Henry (W.H.) Hutchinson (known as "Old Hutch" to his CSUC associates, students and friends). Along with brother Jamie, Hutch began life on a beautiful old 160-acre homestead in Cohasset, nestled in the foothills northeast of Chico. He always looked back fondly on those idyllic years: rising early to stoke the woodstove and feed the chickens, cutting firewood with his dad, and spending endless summer days swimming in creeks and exploring the woods he so loved. Hutch excelled in sports, including swimming, basketball, track and especially baseball. He was a skilled catcher with a strong arm as well as a powerful batter. Hutch continued playing baseball into early adulthood, and was scouted by a number of big league teams. (He later expressed regret for not pursuing the sport further.) A natural musician from a young age, Hutch played guitar and sang during the1960s in local rock bands, including the popular "Continentals," which toured and performed at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. In later years he entertained countless Chicoans at local restaurants and coffee shops. Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot were inspirations, and he also wrote original songs. He had the honor of "jamming" with some of the greats, including B.B. King and Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. Dirt track motorcycle racing was another passion, and Hutch's daredevil approach resulted in a vast collection of trophies. In recent years he had his sleek, black Honda motorcycle customized with a matching sidecar for his beloved rescue Boxer dog, Primo. The two compadres cruised the streets of Chico as well as Mendocino (Hutch's favorite vacation spot where he often spent several months in the fall). After attending CSUC, Hutch worked for PG&E in the Feather River Canyon as the youngest powerhouse operator in their history. He then created a successful custom wrought iron business (The Village Blacksmith), crafting artistic gates and railings around Chico, as well as beautiful spice racks and hanging pot racks that sold nationwide. He was then a regional manager for Pepsi-Cola, until a work-related accident and ultimate 12-level spinal fusion left him with substantial physical health issues, which he so bravely fought to overcome. Prior to this setback, Hutch was an avid and excellent golfer. He was also a NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching televised racing, along with golf, baseball and football. Hutch was a gentle soul, deeply devoted to his friends and loved ones. With a wry and wonderful sense of humor and his deep, mesmerizing voice, he had a gift for entertaining and storytelling. He always made time to listen, and mentored many along the way. His compassionate and gentlemanly ways, charming grin and sky-blue eyes endeared him to so many of us. Hutch left us on April 15, 2015, and is survived by his wife, Laura Burghardt, of Chico, son Scott Hutchinson and his wife Shelly of Willows, stepsons Gabriel Kennedy of Chico and Kiel Kennedy of Los Angeles, brother Jim (Jamie) Hutchinson of Housatonic, MA, nieces Sarah Hardcastle of Housatonic, MA, Margaret "Meg" Hutchinson of Somerville, MA, and Tessa Hutchinson of Gt. Barrington, MA, former wife, Rhonda Hutchinson of Chico, and many, many friends, both lifelong and new. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, June 7, 2015, at noon in the Council Ring near One Mile area of Bidwell Park; follow the signs. Reception following in One Mile BBQ/picnic table area. Donations in Hutch's memory can be made to: Butte Humane Society: https://goo.gl/Zhvok3 Memories and photos are being shared at: http://www.brusiefh.com/obituaries/WarrenHutchinson-2/