We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Hugh Arthur James Hutchinson, CD (Ret'd) on 5 August 2015 in West Palm Beach Florida following a short battle with cancer.
Born in Greymouth, New Zealand in 1936, Colonel Hutchinson served in the Militias in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. His service with the Royal New Zealand Engineers and the Royal Australian Engineers spanned 1955-66 in the ranks from Sapper to Captain. He served with 6th Field Squadron in Vancouver from 1966 to 1974 and was Commanding Officer 1970-74. Hugh then served 1974-78 as Senior Staff Officer at Vancouver Militia District and Area Headquarters. After a short period ith the Supplementary Reserve, he returned as Deputy Commander, Vancouver Militia District (1981-83) and Commander, Vancouver Militia District (1983-87).
Hugh's engineering work took him to many parts of the world from Australia to Canada to Asia to North Africa. His specialty in hydroelectric engineering gave him opportunities to be a part of the building of hydroelectric Dams in Tasmania, Australia and Mica, British Columbia as well as the construction of the Great Man Made River Project in Libya.
A celebration of Hugh’s life is being planned at the Lt-Col James Pemberton Fell Armoury in North Vancouver. A family ceremony to inter his ashes will be held in Greymouth, New Zealand. Donations to the 6 Field Engineer Squadron Museum Association (www.6es.ca ) or Hospice of Palm Beach County (www.hpbc.com) are requested in lieu of flowers. {khAug2015}
