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
No one epitomized generosity, caring and good humour more than John. I have had delightful occasions sharing jigsaws, good wines and friendship with he and Karin. The world will miss his gentle, smiling presence.
Five years ago, John and Karin answered an urgent request on the CBC for refugee sponsors. During the sponsorship John was always available, from moving furniture for the family in his red pick up, rushing to their townhouse late one evening to fix a washing machine that was flooding the basement, picking up Christmas hampers and taking the kids to the truck parade and IMAX. His practical skills were invaluable and many acts of kindness and generosity so appreciated.
I feel fortunate to have spent time with John and Karin as a newcomer to Victoria. I was touched by John’s kindness and gentleness, and didn’t mind getting trounced by him at cards while sipping his stellar G&Ts. A sweet, kind soul who made the world a better place through his friendship and caring. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to Karin, his family and friends.
Rest in peace John. Time with you and Karin was the happiest in my life. Such an honor to have your fondness of a daughter. Smile and light in your eyes has been in my heart for ever.My deepest condolence to karin and his family. Hug to karin.
I was very lucky to live with John and Karin for nine months from November 2006 to July 2007. John was so kind to me that I took him as my “mom”. John was patient to all my questions, tolerant with my ignorance, and worried sick every time I traveled outside Edmonton. There was never a problem too difficult to him to find a solution. I had great experience living in Edmonton and John is one big part of the greatness. I feel regretful that I didn’t spend more time with him when I got the chance. Now I am grateful that I got the chance to know him, chatting, cooking together, sharing music…. John will be remembered and much missed.
Such a kind, generous soul, John was ever cheerful and looking for ways to be helpful. My deepest condolences to Karin, his family, and friends. He will be missed.
What a rich biography, of which I knew very little. But I did experience (through a sponsorship group) the perseverance, always lending a shoulder, and the ‘laughter cum twinkle’ in the eye.
May John’s memory be for blessing.
Warm hug to you, Karin.
I met John & Karin through refugee sponsorship – proof in itself that John was full of kindness and empathy for others. He was always so welcoming and genuinely kind. His loss will be felt deeply by the many people who were blessed to have met him.
Dear John, Rest in Peace. Luckily having enjoyed your family brotherly care in your cozy house, your sweet smile and kind words will never be faded.
Karin, Janis, Maureen,,,, John wishes us to be strong and cheer up.
Rest in peace my great friend Hutch………..I have a lot of great memories of our adventures …I’m so sorry for your loss…….Karin, Janis and Maureen,,,,,,,