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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HUTCHERSON, Ernest William (Bill) - passed away on September 7, 2025 at the age of 101. Bill was born in Clatskanie, Oregon to Ray and Ida Hutcherson. After spending his early years in Oregon, in 1930 his family moved back to Ladner BC where they were originally from.
After high school graduation, he completed a wireless telegraphy course, joined the Canadian Merchant Navy as a radio officer and within weeks was shipped out on a deep-sea freighter, spending the balance of WWII on North Atlantic convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. After the war ended, he joined the Merchant Marine and continued to serve until he met his future wife Barbara in 1951. After his marriage, he joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve as a petty officer, teaching Morse code to young reservists. He was a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012.
In 1952, Bill married Barbara Valerie McNish whom he had met the previous year at The Breakers in Point Roberts WA. They settled in Richmond BC where they raised two sons and two daughters.
Bill's love of band music was legendary. He played trombone, first with the Ladner Community Band and later with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Band. In the mid-1990's, he changed his instrument of choice to the baritone and joined the Vancouver Naval Veterans Band until 2013. Bill's other passion was building models of Canadian warships which he proudly displayed in custom-made cases.
In 2013, Bill moved to the Pacifica Retirement Residence in South Surrey where he made numerous friends, including his closest friend Mary Latka. He volunteered as the Pacifica's blackjack dealer and bingo caller and never missed a trip to the casino. That same year, he also provided a home to a senior dog in need by adopting 10-year old Minnie from a local animal rescue.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Barbara (2004), daughter Cheryl (2012), sister Eileen Botham (2017) and dear friend Mary Latka (2024). He is survived by his children Rod (Karrie), Don and Erin Hutcherson.
A special thank you to the Bazso family - Lori, Les, Suzy (Alex) and Juilia for their kindness, friendship and support shown to Bill during his later years.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Canadian Red Cross or an animal rescue of your choice. (The Vancouver Sun and The Province 20 Sep 2025)
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