Passed on: November 10th, 2011
It is with deep sorrow that the Hutchings family announces the passing of the patriarch of their family, Dr. Gordon Hutchings on Thursday, November 10th, 2011. Death due to illness. Throughout the various stages throughout his life, Gordon was many things to many people: husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, mentor, icon. He left a mark on most people he met and even “we are told” on some he didn’t.
Beloved husband of Carmel Flynn-Hutchings and adored father of Michelle Hutchings-Jiwa (Dr. Al Jiwa), Mary Andrea Hutchings and Gordon Flynn-Hutchings. Precious grandfather to grandsons, Shakil and Rafik Jiwa. Gordon spent his happy childhood in Whitbourne, NL. The son of Mary and George Hutchings, brother of Dr. Reg Hutchings (Gillian) in PEI and sister Sylvia Cumby (Reg) in NL. Graduated from medical school Memorial University in NL in 1977. Worked at hospitals in Buchans and Grand Falls, NL. Then the adventurous Doc. started to build everlasting memories for his family; three years in Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, working in Arab hospitals, with vacations in London, Paris, Cyprus, Greece, etc. Back to Canada, working in the French community of Kapuskasing in Northern Ontario. In 1993 Dr. Gordon was offered a job, he couldn't refuse. This would be an educational experience for his family that money couldn't buy; a job as a Diplomat with the Canadian Embassy in Hong Kong and vacations in the Far East. Although this was enjoyable, Gordon missed patient contact; which was his second love. He came to Trenton, Ontario in the Fall of 1997. He loved the adrenaline rush of working in Emergency at the Trenton Hospital. He had a very busy Family Practice; his favourite days were visiting his senior patients at various nursing homes. He loved his patients and knew he was beloved by them. Gordon never planned to retire, his joy of working was well known to his colleagues. His love of life was well known to his friends. He loved to cook, read non-fiction and play golf. He lived life as though he would die early and thus fate was just that. According to his wishes, this gentle soul, will have his body cremated. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Avenue, Belleville (613-968-5588) on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. A Private Irish Wake will be held at a later date to be announced. Donations to the Trenton Memorial Hospital Fund would be appreciated. On-line condolences at www.rushnellfamilyservices.com.
"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day.
Do it! I say.
Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows"
...Pope Paul VI.
“Dear Mrs Hutchings and family:
I was saddened to read of Gord's passing in the recent CMAJ. We were med school mates from MUN 77. Gord was one of the greatest characters I ever met ( in a good way ). He was a real stand-up guy and perhaps the most joy-filled person you could ever meet. May the future be filled with fond memories of a most special man!!”
“Carmel: It is with tremendous sadness i I send my heartfelt sympathy. I have fond memories of our time together in Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia. God Bless all of you. ”
“I am still in shock to hear about the passing of Dr. Hutchings, he was the best. It is great to read about his life and many adventures it sounds so like him. Carmel thinking of you and your family. Remember he is gone but will never be forgotten. God broke the mould when he made Gord.
”
“I haven't seen Gord since 1977 when we graduated from medical school. However, I've often thought and asked about him. He had a memorable warmth , down to earth intelligence and wonderful humor that I will never forget. My condolences to his family”
“He will be sadly missed by all his patients”
“Dr. Hutchings meant a lot to our family and we are very, very sad to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful doctor to us and we had many laughs over the years. We will all miss him dearly. We send our love and prayers to his family. "should his ship sail from our sight it does not mean the journey ends it only means the river bends. anon.”
“The most awesome docter that I've ever had to deal with , cause I'm not good with Doctors. He made me feel extrememly comfy , a realest , I will miss him in more ways than he would ever know, Gord
I had the opportunitiy to work for Gord and I was so impressed by the way he always stood up for me and the way he was so down to earth with his patients. He hated the paper work but loved the patients. He worked in his practice until he could not do it any longer, he lived life the way he wanted and he loved his wife and family beyond any limits. He will always hold a place in my heart and what more could a someone ask but to make their mark in life? God speed Gord, and don't worry about getting a ticket on the way there, you can always smooth talk your way out ! LOL, what a wonderful doctor man, husband, father grandfather ,friend and person! My love to all his family, remember " do not stand by my grave and weep, for I'm not there I do not sleep, do not stand by my grave and cry , for I'm not there, I did not die!" His legacy lives on, he's showing the angels how to live and love to the fullest! Love you all ...Noreen Horner ”
“GORDON aND i WERE OPERATED ABOUT THE SAME TIME BY THE WONDERFUL Dr.. GAIL DARLING AT TGH. Unfortunately we knew that his prognosis was much worse than mine. We both spent a week in the ICU together and unfortunately that is not a place you make good social contacts. Nonetheless he was likeable and silently we make good contact with each other. His wife Carmel w,as a darling, looked after Gordon's and other pateients' needs. My wife and Carmel became quite friendly.Hang in there Carmel, the good memories will help you through and seems you had plenty of those. What an interesting life!”
“I went to medical school with Gord. Although our paths have not crossed since our trip to Montreal at the end of medical school in1977 I remember him fondly.
A character who was very entertaining and genuine. I recall that he was very interested in making sure that his classmates were attentive in lectures.
A guy dosing in front of him would awaken to a wet finger in his ear compliments of the good doctor.
Gord was beloved in med school by all his fellow delinquents.
I smile as I think of him. God Bless.
Chris Williams Ogdensburg NY
”
“Reading about Gord's adventurous career brings back lots of vivid memories of him at medical school. He was a wonderfully interesting guy and remains the subject of many great stories among his classmates. My warmest condolences to his family.”
“I have just heard notice of the loss.My heartfelt condolences to family and friends.Gord as we knew him was a colorful character of our medical school. He sported a full beard and head of hair that would rival any mountain man.His signature mark was his cap with the Seagram's 5 star whiskey insignia and true to this he loved a party.After graduation I still recount the story of Gord dangling off the rear mast of the Argentia ferry in the middle of a dark night over the open ocean. He had no fear.
He returned to the deck with his remarkable laugh that I can still hear.”
“HI Carmel and Family;
We are sorry for your loss, I know he will be missed by your and your family dearly. Our prayers go out to you.
John, Linda , Sarah and Nicole”
“So sorry to hear Gordon passed away. We were neighbours in our hometown of Whitbourne . His family were well like and such friendly people. I can still remember his mom calling out to her dog and Kiaser would ignore her lol,, good memory.. God Bless all you you in your time of sorrow.. ”
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. I want to share how much of an impact Dr. Hutchings had in my life! He was a very caring and understanding man who ALWAYS took the time needed to listen, advise and support! I will, as many others, miss his passion, humour and kindness. My condolences and prayers. ”
“I attended med school with Gord. My sincere condolences to You on your great loss.”
“I just want to say how good of a Doctor he was. I was shocked to here the news of his passing and I know he is not in any more pain. God Bless you all.”
“I was a med school class mate of Gord's and was very sad to read about his passing. I remember him from 35 years ago as a great personality who was caring and intelligent and added character to our class. My condolences to his entire family.”
“Carmel, We are so sorry to hear of Gord's passing. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.”
“I knew Gordon in med school and he was a great guy who loved life and people.I never saw him after med school but often thought of him my condolences to Carmel and children .”
“Carmel and Family
I am shocked and saddened to hear the news. It has been some considerable time since I last saw you both in Sandy Point just as your exciting life together began to unfold. He was always so uplifting and always a barrel of laughs. Carmel, you brought the best out in each other. May God grant you peace in your times of sorrow..
Fred Humber
Humber Financial”
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Our son Jakob was quite fine to go see Dr. Hutchings.He always felt comfortable and stress free to visit him even when he was sick. Dr. Hutchings always made him laugh and made him forget whatever ailment he had. We are truly grateful for Dr. Hutchings and feel that no other Doctor can ever take his place. Dr .Hutchings will truly be missed in the health field in this community. Thank you, Dr. Hutchings”
“It is with shock and sadness that we read this news today of Gord's passing. You have all been blessed to have shared an adventure that only Gord could provide.He lived life as it was meant to be lived....to the fullest and than some!!! Gord we remember you my friend with a smile and a salute...Bon Voyage ”
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