WEST NEW PORTLAND – Ronald Bruce Hutchins, “Hutch,” 64, of West New Portland, died Sat. March 8, at his home on River Road of natural causes.

He was born Oct. 11, 1943, in New Portland, the son of Elwin E. and Helen W. (Crocker) Hutchins. He received his education in New Portland schools and graduated from Central High School in 1962.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country for two tours of duty in Vietnam. He served from 1962-1969, was wounded in ’65, and remained in the reserves until ’69. He received the Purple Heart with Gold Star.

On Nov. 13, 1966, he married Shirley Ann Petersen in Arlington, Mass. For a brief time, he was employed at Boise Cascade. For many years, he was a self-employed truck driver.

He was a former member of the Farmington American Legion Post, was a former New Portland firefighter, was active in the West New Portland Community church, and participated in the annual Vietnam Veteran Reunions. Prior to becoming disabled, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed raising Persian cats and dearly loved his dog, Elliot Bruce Hutchins.

He is survived by a son, Ronald A. “Ron” Hutchins of New Portland; one daughter, Susan A. Hutchins and her partner, Trish, of Manchester, N.H.; the mother of his children, Shirley A. Hutchins of Farmington; one brother, Elwyn Hutchins and his wife, Betty, of Lisbon Falls; a half-sister Allison Hutchins of Texas; a godson, Peter Moison, of Billerica, Mass., aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.