Reverend Ronald D Hutchinson
1933-2022
The Rev Ronald D Hutchinson passed away in February, quite unexpectedly, yet peacefully in his sleep.
He was a man and a minister ahead of his time. He leaves a legacy of love, knowledge and service to his family, parishioners, and the Kirkland community.
He was the only child for Kenneth and Doris (Blanchard) Hutchinson. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with a BA in 1955, and earned his M.Div. from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1959.
He married Shirley (Sheffield) Hutchinson in 1956. Their call to serve began in the late 1950s, when he became the pastor at Crawford First Congregational Church in Chicago, IL, and then Associate Pastor at the First Congregational Church in Glen Ellen, IL. Ron led the Youth group and was quite progressive in his worship style and outlook on life.
In the late 1960s it was time for a new adventure, and they moved the family to Kirkland, WA. Ron served as Senior Minister at the Kirkland Congregational Church UCC, for over 25 years. He instilled love, kindness, equity and an open and affirming policy throughout his work.
He took his civic duty seriously and was an advisor on the Kirkland City Hall planning committee, library and school committees.
After he retired from leading the Kirkland Church, he embarked on a nonprofit fundraising journey and started Green Grass Gatherings and was a founder of Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH) until he fully retired.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, their three children Lynn (Dan) Grager, Susan, John (Melissa), nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was involved with all their activities. He appreciated excellent programs in the community so in lieu of flowers he would be honored to have any donations in his name dedicated to the
Wranglers Inclusion program in Bothell.
Please designate “in memory of Rev. Ronald Hutchinson, Wranglers Program”
Northshore Wrangler Inclusion Attn: Judi
10212 East Riverside Drive
Bothell WA 98011
https://northshoreseniorcenter.ejoinme.org/MyPages/InclusionDonation/tabid/761931/Default.aspx