AUBURN — Vinton H. Hutchins, 79, a longtime resident of North Turner, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 9, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born at home, Jan. 6, 1933, in North New Portland, the son of Leslie W. and Mabel V. (Holt) Hutchins. He attended school at Cony High School and Leavitt Institute.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952, and proudly served on the USS Stockham during the Korean War. Vint married the love of his life, Jean Ruth Moore, June 27, 1953. Together they raised three daughters. Jean predeceased him Oct. 20, 2002.

Vint worked as a millwright for IP in Jay for 30 years, retiring in 1995. He later started a second career as a school bus driver for SAD 52, which gave him many years of enjoyment. He was a volunteer fireman for Turner Fire Department, serving many years as their captain.

He was a member of the North Turner Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. He was past master and 50-year member of the Nezinscot Masonic Lodge 101 in Turner, a member of Kora Temple and the IP Quarter Century Club.

Vint’s happiest moments were spending time with his family, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and sitting quietly on his deck at Bear Pond watching the loons with his canine companion “Hutch.”

He is survived by his daughters, Sheila Coleman and her husband, Michael, of Holden and Melody Dunlap and her husband, John, of Tucson, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Patrick Coleman and his wife, Lori, of Sanford, Katie Coleman of Bucksport, Keith Ryder and his companion, Erika, of Brooklin, Melissa Sellnow and her husband, Derek, of Bellevue, Neb., and Andrew and Emma Dunlap, of Tucson; seven great-grandchildren, Ellen, Audrey and Eli Coleman, Braden Ryder, Gabrielle Brann and Susanna and Claire Sellnow; his sisters, Beverly Berry of North Turner and Loretta Maxwell of Livermore Falls; in addition to many special brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Jean; his beautiful daughter, Leslie-Jean; mother and father-in-law; and many other loved ones.

The family would like to thank all the special people at Clover Health Care and Androscoggin Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.