1916 – 2003

WEST PARIS – Harlan James Hutchins, 87, formerly of Clark Street in Bethel, died Wednesday, May 14, at Ledgeview Living Center.

He was born in Bethel on May 12, 1916, a son of Howard J. and Lulu B. Cummings Hutchins. He attended Bethel schools and graduated from Gould Academy in 1934. He then attended and graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology.

Mr. Hutchins worked as a Mechanical Engineer for General Electric in Detroit for eight years. He also had worked at Davis Sawmill in Bethel and also for the Exxon Division of the Portland Pipeline from where he retired.

After his retirement from the pipeline, he worked for Western Maine Supply and also SUNRI Ski Shop as a ski mechanic. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy.

He was a Boy Scout Leader, served on the Bethel School Board, was a member of the West Parish Congregational Church, a life member of the Bethel Historical Society and also was a member of the Androscoggin and Mahoosuc Land Trust. He married Gertrude C. Reinke on June 14, 1941.

He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey C. of Gilead and Timothy J. of Bethel; a brother, Lee Howard Hutchins of Bethel; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was predeceased by his wife on Aug. 15, 2001; and a sister, Rita Hutchins Davis.