For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

HUTCHINSON, Frederick Charles - Born 1930, in Owen Sound, Ont., died July 15, 2019. Fred was a Depression kid who went to work at age 12. He shovelled coal on the many ships cruising Lake Huron. At age 15 he married the love of his life, Elsie, and together they packed one suitcase with all their worldly possessions and hitchhiked to Toronto. Three children later Fred prepared to leave Ontario as a naval recruit. He earned the award for the best all-round candidate of his basic training. In 1954 he sailed with the crew of the HMCS Bonaventure (fondly nicknamed "The Bonnie") from Belfast to Halifax for its commissioning. In 1984 Fred retired after 30 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class. He received a service medal for courage on the scene of an automobile accident. Fred was a quiet and calm man, with an intelligent sense of humour. Basically shy, he enjoyed the company of his family and a few friends. Fair, just, dutiful and loyal were some of Fred's many good qualities. With retirement, Fred and Elsie enjoyed a home in Florida and the open road in their RV. Fred was a good poker player and was even better at bridge. He created many beautiful needlepoints, and was a decent woodworker. An avid gardener, he loved flowers. He was a man who could repair anything, except his broken heart when Elsie passed. Fred was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Caroline Francis, and his father, "Pete" Walter Garreth Cole; his wife, Elsie May; and his sisters, Mary Katherine and Violet Emily; daughter, Colette Marie Hutchinson. He is survived by his children, Frederick (Jane) Hutchinson, Clifford (Donna), Carol-Anne Hutchinson (Lorne Pike); grandchildren, Kim Hutchinson, Craig Hutchinson, Trevor Hutchinson, Lisa McCaustlin, Sarah Butler, Andre Belisle, Jacqueline Belisle; great-grandchildren, Kelly, Noah, Logan, Aiden, Evan, Tyler, Cayden; great great- grandchild, Luke. Fred and Elsie passed their last years together at Casa Bona Vista Condominium in Bedford, and were grateful to Mike for his friendship and help. The Bedford Berkeley assisted Fred prior to his hospitalization. Fred was a good man. Many thanks to Dr. Stevens and the capable nurses of Hants Community Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 16 Jul 2019)