Hutch set an example we should follow

Published 2:37 pm Thursday, January 28, 2016

By Suzanne Martin Moore

Several years ago, my husband and I were dining in one of downtown Thomasville’s finest restaurants. We were celebrating our anniversary and had “saved up” for a special meal, nice cocktails, decadent dessert, etc. We enjoyed a little conversation with the couple at a neighboring table whom we knew from the Boston area. The entertainment by gifted vocalist Kelly Thompson was superb.

At the end of our special evening when we asked for our check, we learned that “the nice man sitting at the next table” had paid our substantial bill in full. I am sure that that kind and generous act was just one of many such acts that Bob “Hutch” Hutchison performed in our community. Of our 15 anniversary celebrations, it is that one which I remember most fondly.

We came to know Bob as a wonderful head of one of Thomasville’s nicest families. His love was reflected in the lives of his lovely wife, his children, and his grandchildren. It also extended to the employees of his successful insurance office, where all of the employees were treated like family and where they in turn treat the customers like valued family members. No wonder the business has been successful for many years.

Bob, or Hutch, as he enjoyed being called, freely shared his time, his resources and his warm, caring personality in many endeavors in Thomas County. He enthusiastically supported our schools, our technical college and university, local leadership and service organizations, charities and his church.

In my home community of Boston, he was our favorite Bingo caller, auctioneer and pageant emcee. He must have been busy all the time, yet he always took the time to make us feel important as he shared a joke, a smile, a listening ear and his infectious laughter.Our granddaughter Elizabeth, whom I without bias consider one of God’s special angels, counted “Mr. Hutch” among her favorite people on earth. When she was a very young child, Hutch recognized her as a special young person facing unique challenges who needed and deserved his love, and he has made a major difference in her life. Like many of us, Elizabeth will never forget him. I wonder how many of our children in Thomas County were touched by his love.

As you may already know, Bob Hutchison is the “Hutch” whose name appeared on hundreds of signs throughout this area. Having had several physical challenges in recent years, cancer was the toughest battle of his life.

In spite of his courageous fight, in spite of all of our prayers, we lost Hutch many years before we were ready to let him go. But his influence in our lives was profound and the results of his kindness and his service to our community will last.

Young people who want to make a real, positive difference in this area would be well advised to learn about Bob and to emulate his commitment to public service and to spreading joy. His will be very big shoes to fill, but every person’s positive influence can make a difference.

In a very moving scene from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Maycomb’s black minister, seeing Atticus Finch leaving the courtroom, admonishes the little girl, Scout, “Stand up, Miss Jean Louise; your father is passing.” Those in the balcony who knew the lawyer’s value all stood to show their respect and love for his efforts on behalf of their community.

Stand up, Thomas County. Bob Hutchison has passed through our midst and we all have been enriched by his presence.