Peacefully, at Hanover District Hospital in Hanover, of Priceville in his 97th year.

Beloved husband of 72 years to the late Jean Hutchinson (nee McCannell) (October 2025). Loving father of Don(JoAnn Ondrejicka) Hutchinson of Ilderton, Nancy(Matthew) Guldner of Priceville and Tom(Barb, nee Barriault) of Belleville. Cherished grandfather of Iain, Alasdair(Phoenix), Jonus(Emily) Hutchinson, Felicia(Myles) Coe, Heather(Dave) Power, Josh(Bekah) Hutchinson, Caleb(Joy) Hutchinson and Kristy(Brandon) Elderhorst. Proud and loved great grandfather of Theodore, Aurora, Bennett, Emma, Hardy, Wesley, Rosie, Robin, Eleah, Mila. Beloved brother to Ruth (the late Bob) Butler of Ilderton.

Predeceased by his parents Hadden and Lottie Hutchinson, sister Mae (died in infancy), brother Calvin and sister-in-law Betty(Corbett) and brother Ward and sister-in-law Eleanor(Hardy).

Bill was born the fourth of five children to Hadden and Lottie at Spring Hill, south of Flesherton, on the farm originally owned by Uncle Thomas and then Gramma Nuhn. The family lived at Ceylon, Swinton Park and Ayton before settling on what came to be known as Lakeside Farm, all before Bill turned 9. This would be his home for the next 87 years.

In 1953, he married the love of his life Jean, and together they purchased the farm and built a dairy and mixed farming business on the land. They started with a few cows and a modest income selling cream to Flesherton Creamery, while Bill supplemented that business by working on the railroad. Eventually, the couple invested in a full dairy pipeline operation and milk quota and built a successful operation, feeding the cattle with the harvest from their own land. They welcomed their 3 children Don, Nancy and Tom and were heavily supportive of all of their interests and academic pursuits.

Bill loved music and began playing guitar at the age of 12, after purchasing a guitar with his part of the proceeds of the sale of a pony shared with his brothers. He passed on his musical passion to his children and treasured his personal Martin guitar collection, sharing his gifts at many events and Bluegrass clubs. His other passion was the collection and restoration of antique John Deere tractors and equipment and he enjoyed membership in several antique tractor associations. In addition, he loved woodworking and built furniture, toys and household items for their home and the homes of his children/grandchildren. He was always supportive and a right hand to Jean as she collected and built records of family ancestry and history.

While still full-time farming and long into their semi-retirement in 1995 (when they sold the cows but continued to work the land until just a few years ago), Bill was heavily involved in the community on the school and library boards, Split Rail Foundation, church and cemetery teams, Artemesia Township Municipal Council and Saugeen Valley and North Grey Sauble Conservation Authorities.

The family will receive friends at the Flesherton Kinplex on Monday, May 4th from 1:00-3:00pm with a time of shared memories at 2:00pm. A private family graveside has taken place at McNeil Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the McNeil Cemetery Board, the Flesherton Library or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and condolences at www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca

 

• First Name : Bill
• Last Name : Hutchinson
• Funeral Home : Fawcett Funeral Home, Flesherton
• URL : https://www.fawcettfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/Bill-Wm-J-Hutchinson?obId=48186513

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