SOUTH PARIS – Melburn F. “Hutch” Hutchins, 81, of Hanover, died Monday, Dec. 1, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, after a long illness.

He was born in Kingfield, on Dec. 19, 1926, a son of Emmons and Gelia (Weymouth) Hutchins. He was a graduate of Strong High School, Class of 1946.

He was employed for more than 25 years with Boise Cascade; prior to this he was employed with Forster Toothpick Factory, and was also a heavy equipment operator for the rebuilding of Route 2 where he met his future wife.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was a member of Pleasant Valley Bible Church in West Bethel and was active in the Awana Youth Group. He was instrumental in designing the race track which was used in many area churches. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a 20-year member of the American Legion Post 24, and a 10-year volunteer with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

He was a talented woodcrafter and made therapeutic devices and games for rehabilitating patients. He enjoyed his weekly card playing night with his Hanover friends. He also enjoyed his daily trips to McDonald’s for coffee with his beloved wife Rose and their mill friends.

He enjoyed beekeeping, farming, hunting, gardening fishing, cooking and passed on his love of these hobbies to his children and grandchildren.

He will be remembered by all who knew him as a quiet, humble and witty person. No tears, just cheers.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rose (Veillette) Hutchins; daughters, Rae Ann Hutchins Luce and husband, Ralph, of Strong, Debra Swan and husband, Bruce, of Springfield, Olivia Morrell and husband, Donald, of Belgrade, Maureen Abbott and husband, Tim, of Phillips and Gail Worcester and husband, William, of Hanover; a sister, Dorothy Curtis and husband, Wayne, of Vassalboro; two brothers, Clinton Hutchins and wife, Goudrun, of Pownal, Vt., and Richard Hutchins of Portland; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Emmonzene Hutchins.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the special care given to Melburn by the staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.