Roger Arthur Hutchings

Roger Hutchings

1934-2016

Roger died peacefully at home in Englewood, CO on December 20th.  He suffered for 10 years with multiple serious illnesses caused by exposure to agent orange, asbestos, radiation and many toxic chemicals during his 22 year Navy career.  He is finally at peace. 

Many times Roger said, “I’m not afraid of dying.  I’m just afraid it will hurt.”  Thankfully it didn’t.  It was quick and painless.

Roger loved the Navy and he would still be in if he could be.  He rose from a lowly recruit to Lieutenant, served on 7 ships and had several shore assignments.  His favorite was his last ship, the Point Defiance, where he was Officer of the Deck and qualified to pilot the ship all over the Pacific.  The Point Defiance spent several years in Vietnam.

Even in death Roger continues to serve.  He donated his spine so that others can smile again.  Each of his vertebrae will be used for jaw reconstruction.  So when you see a smile, please think of Roger.

Roger is survived by his wife - Kathy Neary; his sons - Ken of Honolulu, and Chris of Centennial, CO; daughter, Shara Chernicki of Boston; grandsons - Christopher, Tom, Aidan and Dalton; granddaughters - Katie, Julie and Morgan; and former wife - Sally.  He will live on in our hearts forever. 

Roger was born in Cleveland, OH, the only child of Arthur Hutchings and Gertrude Otto.  He joined the Navy in 1953.  When he retired in 1975 Roger settled in Honolulu and worked as Chief Engineer/Facilities Director at several hospitals and hotels. 

He lived there for 40 years.  This is where he met his wife, Kathy in 1982 while she was on vacation.  He finally lured her to the islands in 1984 and they were married in 1987 at the Officers’ Club on Hickam Air Force base.  They had many adventures throughout the islands, enjoying hiking, swimming and sailing.  Roger loved the music and especially the local food.

Roger and Kathy volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Honolulu for 13 years.  It was such a fulfilling and wonderful experience.  Roger was on the Board of Directors and was Santa at Christmas time.  The kids were an inspiration to all.  They didn’t let their illness get them down.  The House was filled with love.

They moved to Portland, or in 2003 and again had lots of outdoor adventures.  Fishing was Roger’s favorite pastime.  He became politically active and was a member of Veterans for Peace.  He enjoyed cooking and was a great cook.

In 2006 wanderlust struck and they bought an RV with the intention of travelling the country -  fishing, sightseeing and eating.  That dream was cut short when Roger suffered a stroke after only a month on the road.  They settled in Englewood, CO because of Roger’s health and to be near family.

Roger brought smiles to everyone.  He was always telling jokes.  Some were silly but they always got a laugh.  His quick wit will be missed.

Roger was cremated and his remains will be buried in Arlington Cemetery, Virginia later in 2017.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Brookdale Meridian in Englewood on Saturday, January 7th, 2017 at 1:00 PM in the Sky Room.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.