Jeffery Alan Hutchins

GREENE – Jeffery Alan Hutchins, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 17, 2024 at his home in Greene. Born in Houlton on Dec. 11, 1963, he spent his childhood in Blue Hill and graduated from George Stevens Academy and EMTC in Bangor.

Professionally, Jeff was much like his father. He had standards that he insisted on meeting, and being firm in these standards led to a storied work history. Water treatment, plumbing and most recently he was proud to be part of the design, development and assembly of hydronic panels and boiler boards for F.W. Webb.

Without a doubt, Jeff’s proudest accomplishments were the birth of his two sons, Andrew and Benjamin.

Jeff loved being a hands-on dad. Building a baseball diamond and then hours and hours in the yard pitching to Benjamin, his youngest. Attending every baseball, soccer and basketball game. Jeff and Ben built a soccer goal and whiffle ball field after moving to Greene, and spent 100s of hours together using them. He cherished the time they spent together, especially their recent golf days.

He was also the proudest Army Dad of his oldest son, CPL Andrew L Hutchins, assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault Group. Tragically, Andrew was killed on 11/08/10 while serving in Afghanistan. Andrew left behind his wife Heather and Jeff’s first grandchild Allyssa. Allyssa was his pride and joy. He always looked forward to their visits, time spent on Spruce Island and especially hunting together on Youth Day.

Jeff lived with his grief, but was able to move forward with the love of his family, friends and his eventual involvement with The Summit Project, an organization that honors Maine’s post 9/11 fallen Service Members, providing assurance to families that their loved ones will never be forgotten. Jeff gained another family through TSP. Gold Star families, hikers, bikers, volunteers…deep connections and love helped him to continue to honor his son, as he provided just as much love and support to others. He earned his nickname Papa Bear as he, Betsy and Ben devoted countless hours to this mission.

Chris, Jeff’s brother, referred to Jeff as a toasted marshmallow– kind of crunchy on the outside, but warm and soft on the inside. Jeff laughed easily, and had a woodsy sense of humor. He was uncommonly well read, and could use any tool with skill. He developed his own fishing flies- his “Sparse Mayfly” being his favorite. He was inventive, often seeing a new way to do something. In Jeff’s eyes, you could never have too many guns, fly rods, or guitars.

Jeff’s happy place was definitely the camp, which he shared with his older brothers Greg and Chris, in Grand Lake Stream right on the banks of the famous Cable Pool. It was here that Jeff longed to be. When work and demands allowed, Jeff would fish from predawn to post dark, rush back to camp and pick up a guitar and play “with gusto” out by the fire ring until deep into the night.

He was rich in friends, he remembered names, looked you in the eye, and believed in a firm handshake. Hugs. He gave the BEST hugs. He will be remembered for always making people feel welcome and included. He always made sure that he let those he loved, know that he indeed loved them. He hugged and spoke his affection each time he was parting from us. He was not shy of saying, “I love you.” which is a gift that will never be lost.

Jeff is survived by his wife Betsy; son Benjamin (Marina); brothers Greg (Dee) and Chris (Dot); daughter-in-law Heather (Donald); grandchildren Allyssa, Kabella, Lakelan and Adallyn; nieces Emily, Celia, Jennifer and nephew Travis; mother-in-Law Marnie Gardner; brother-in-law Paul (Michelle); aunts Margaret Comeau, Connie England and Dottie Harriman. He also leaves behind his Godson Aaron Killam; his favorite “sister” Judy Manzo; “second” mom Shirley Lay, Andrew’s mother Robin (Dwayne); dear friend and co-worker Jared Dodge, The Giffin, Hillier and Soucie families; and many cousins, fishing comrades, friends, and his TSP Family.

He was predeceased by his son Andrew; father Lewis Hutchins, mother Joanne Olsen, stepfather Homer Olsen and father-in-law Paul Gardner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Jeff on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Fortin Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME. A second visitation will occur Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Please visit http://www.TheFortinGroupAuburn.com to sign Jeff’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to:

The Andrew L Hutchins High School Scholarship Fund

C/O Robin Norwood

PO Box 1055

Ellsworth, ME 04605