It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Hutchinson announce the sudden but peaceful passing of their beloved husband, father, and brother at home on August 30, 2025 at the age of 72. Born in New Waterford, John was the son of the late Ernest and Lucy (Romard) Hutchinson.

Anyone who knew John knows that he was the pillar of our family. He loved us all deeply and without limitation. Dad will be tremendously missed and has left us with an emptiness that will be felt for a very long time. He was a true family man, who lived every day for the people he loved. All who knew him would know how proud he was of his family, especially his children, Amy and David.

John is survived by his wife, Rose (Desveaux) Hutchinson, who shared 40 wonderful years of marriage; daughter, Amy (John MacIsaac) Hutchinson of New Waterford and son, David (Chris Pelrine) Hutchinson of Halifax; sisters, Darlene (Tommy) McDonald, Lingan and Paula Hutchinson of New Waterford; sister-in-law, Delores Hutchinson; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Josie) Desveaux, Philip Desveaux, Frank (Nancy) Desveaux all of Ontario; George (Anne Marie) Desveaux of Coxheath, Bertha (Kevin) Williamson of East Bay, and Cecilia Reid of Alberta; step-grandchildren, Kameron and Nicky; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Linda (Hutchinson) Roberts, Elizabeth (Betty) MacLeod, Debbie Hutchinson; brother, Stephen Hutchinson; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Georgette (Carpentier) Desveaux, and numerous other family members.

John was employed at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation for over 30 years. He was a proud founding board member of the Cape Breton Residential Society in New Waterford. He was very fond of travelling, making many trips with friends and family over the years. John was a member of the Mount Carmel Gym Committee for several years.

Johnny “Lightening” was a sportsman all his life. He was an inductee into the New Waterford and District Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. He was a life-long Montreal Canadiens fan and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. 

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept.3 from 5-8 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Thursday, Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating and Deacon Lorne MacNeil concelebrating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Army, Navy, Air Force, Unit 217, New Waterford. 

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Maple Hill Manor, or a charity of one’s choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

Love you big pile, big much.