Of Warner AB, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of 71 years: children Rick (Teressa), Mike, Kim, Michele, and Wes (Julie); 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is probably best known for his big smile and great stories.

He rode his horse 2 miles to Powell School, a one-room schoolhouse, where he took Grade 1-8.  From there he went onto high school in Warner.  Many comical stories come out of those days at Powell School.  Recently the family helped to establish an historical marker at the site of the old school.

Ron was community minded, serving on the Warner Evangelical Church board as well as the Warner Cemetery Board.  He was also a life-long member of the Lion’s Club.  His hobbies included hunting, shooting and fishing, winning hundreds of awards for competitive shooting.  He taught gun safety and various ones in the surrounding area how to shoot.  Many went on to win trophies and compete at the Summer Games bringing home their own medals. 

Ron also introduced silhouette shooting to southern AB, organizing the Shortgrass Silhouette Shooters.  Once formed a range was established west of Warner.  Regular matches were held, but they also hosted both the Provincials and the Nationals over the years.  He was a regular competitor at matches in BC, AB, SK, NWT as well as throughout the US.  He and Carol spent about 18 yrs as hosts at the Ben Avery Range near Phoenix, AZ.  As he found retirement too tedious, he poured himself into range improvements and as a result was awarded a special plaque in appreciation for his hard work.  This was by far the recognition that Ron treasured most.  He was very proud of the work he did and it was truly a labor of love. 

Ron served in the USAF during the Korean War.  It was while he was stationed in Portland, OR that he met Carol Naish at a Halloween Dance in 1950.  When his orders to ship to Alaska came through Carol accepted his proposal and the rest is history. They were married in March 1951 in Cottage Grove, OR.

Their eldest son, Rick, was born in Fairbanks, AK while the rest of the family arrived in Lethbridge after his discharge and return to the family farm in Warner.

In 2001, Ron finally retired from farming and the land sold.  However, Ron and Carol have been able to continue to live in their home on the farm and enjoy the yard.  He maintained the yard and planted 2 big gardens into his 93rd  year.  It has only been the past 2 years that the younger generation have taken over those tasks. 

In August, Ron celebrated his 95th year, with children, grand children, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins coming by.  He enjoyed the day immensely and told stories all day long.  Thank you to all of those who made his day so special!

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Earl Hutchinson, his brothers, Jack (Verlyn), Bob (Louise) and grandson, Ryan Hutchinson; and Carol’s parents, Lance and Helen Naish, her brother Bob (Dottie/Jean) and sister-in-law Marilyn Naish.

At his request, there will be no service at this time.  However, we do encourage friends and family to visit to pay their respects. Donations may be made to Warner Memorial Library, Box 270, Warner, AB T0K2L0 or the Warner Cemetery, Box 224 Warner, AB T0K2L0.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.