John (Ian) Suttie Hutchison passed away on August 22nd, 2023 after a brief illness.
Born in 1950 in Motherwell, Scotland to Charlotte (Suttie) and Thomas Hutchison, he was affectionately called Ian by his mother and grandmother, May and sister, Maureen.
With the wanderlust of a young man, John set off for Canada after he completed his Millwright apprenticeship in 1971, settling briefly in Toronto and then Nova Scotia. There he worked for Michelin Tire, before starting his own business, repairing the engines in the naval, brewing and other industries.
In 1979 he braved the winters of the Canadian north, moving to Fort McMurray temporarily to work in the oil sands industry. His temporary stint turned into 30 years. John was a highly regarded member of the Syncrude team. He especially enjoyed the comradery of his colleagues, who called him “Hutch”. He loved to teach and mentor young co-workers and in his later years, enjoyed being head chef for “cook ups” with the night shift. John was also known for his unflappable and reassuring approach to crises, which usually began over a cup of tea.
John was delighted to become a father in 1981, with the arrival of his treasured daughter, Janice.
Upon retiring from Syncrude in 2009, John moved to Edmonton to join his much loved, long-time partner Karin Buss, before both moved to Victoria, B.C. Never ones to rush into a decision, John and Karin married in 2011 after 25 years of courtship, eloping to Rome for the ceremony, a move consistent with their shared love of travel. In their over thirty years together, Karin and John travelled in 39 countries, finding fun and adventure in unusual places.
John took things in stride, was quick with a joke and a laugh, and could see the amusing side of almost every situation. He was very kind and considerate, with an innate sensitivity to the feelings of other people. He was liked and respected by everyone who came to know him. He will be profoundly missed.
John is survived by his wife, Karin, his daughter, Janis Hutchison, his sister Mary (Maureen) Murray, his nephews Ian, David and Stuart Murray, and many good friends.
To view the service, please click the video below:
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
My sincere condolences to Ian’s family. I remember him well from spending so much time at his place in Fort McMurray with Janice during high school. I even remember the first time he let me drive his car! It was the DAY I got my drivers license. Thanks for all the great laughs! You will be fondly remembered.
Dear John, you were the best friend of my love and best friend Noel. You were there in the very beginning of our relationship and your support and friendship and humour really made it possible for our relationship to flourish. You were a gentleman, a bright light and a constant in our lives. I will always remember you with love and appreciation.
John was the rarest of individuals, he was a man totally without ego or bias, and without a doubt, the kindest most generous person we have ever met. This is not hyperbola, you all know that because you have all been fortunate enough to spend time in his company, the world is a poorer place without him around.
Unfortunately, we met John and Karin later in life than we would have preferred, but in that short time they became wonderful friends, and our lives have been richer for it. Our hearts go out to Karin and we hope over the coming years we can repay some of the genuine kindness that you and John have shared with us. Whenever we have a Gin and Tonic, or a Dark and Stormy in our hands (which is quite often) we’ll pause for a second, tip our drinks to John, smile, and remember the happy times together.
Dave and Sue