Funeral for Captain Michael Hutchings in Fenelon Falls Tuesday
Feb 08, 2010 - 01:24 PM
By Parvaneh Pessian
WHITBY -- Flags at Whitby Fire headquarters are flying at half mast out of respect for the passing of one of the department's longest serving members.
Captain Michael Hutchings, 59, died early Friday morning after a heroic 10-month battle with cancer, carrying with him to the end a fierce spirit that many remember him for.
"He was very strong-willed and a tough fighter," says Deputy Fire Chief Bob Mowat, who visited Cpt. Hutchings' hospital bedside on Thursday and fondly recalled butting heads with him while working together on the fire department's equipment committee for about five years.
"He was so determined in his attempts to come up with designs and equipment that were going to make our job safer and better, and he was a tremendous asset to me."
A member of Whitby fire and emergency services for 26 years, Cpt. Hutchings first joined as a volunteer in 1980, eventually stepping into full-time ranks as a dispatcher in 1984. He then moved to the fire suppression division three years later and, in 2002, was promoted to the position of captain.
"Mike has worked tirelessly as our advocate in the research and specifications of our emergency vehicles and equipment," said Whitby Professional Firefighters President Mike Pfeiffer.
"It was this passion and experience with large trucks that resulted in many of the safety features found on our front line emergency vehicles today."
Cpt. Hutchings was born and raised in Whitby, later moving to the community of Fenelon Falls where he resided with his family for more than 20 years. He was also actively involved there as a dedicated member of the fire services committee for the Town of Kawartha Lakes.
Just under a year away from his retirement, Cpt. Hutchings is the first member of the Whitby fire department to die while still on active duty.
In addition to his unwavering commitment to the job, Cpt. Hutchings will be also be remembered for his love of cooking, including his specialty: fried egg sandwiches that he would often bring in for the firefighters.
"We have lost a valuable member who will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of us that worked with him," said Whitby Fire Chief Michael Gerrard, sending his condolences to Cpt. Hutchings' wife Leslie and children Julie, Callie, Parker, Logan and Abigail.
A firefighter funeral will be held for Cpt. Hutchings at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Fenelon Falls United Church, 123 Colborne St. in Fenelon Falls. Immediately following the service, firefighters will escort the procession by marching to the Fenelon Falls Cemetery on Concession Road.
Visitation is at Jardine Funeral Home, 8 Princes' St. W., Fenelon Falls, on Monday, Feb. 8 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Neuroendocrine Drug Development Program at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
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