Obituaries

John Walter Hutchinson, 56, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI walked Saturday July 29, 2023 at his home. He was born August 10, 1966 in Fort Sill, OK to M. John "Hutch" and Carolyn (Thies) Hutchinson.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Army and enjoyed going to various Pow Wows across the Great Lakes to represent his culture and his pride in having served as an ogichidaag warrior. John worked for Bay Mills Indian Community for many years and liked giving back to those around him. John had the best hugs, ones that would make you feel safe and loved. He greeted everyone with a smile and wore his heart on his sleeve. John was known far and wide as a genuine, loving, and honest person that was always filled with great love for his family, friends, and for the love of his life, his wife Virginia. Most importantly, John was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His passing will leave an absence in the lives of many within Bay Mills.

John is survived by his wife, Virginia Hutchinson (Manitowabi) of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; son, John W. Hutchinson of Bay Mills, MI; step-son, Nick Pavlat of West Bloomfield, MI; daughter, Kathlin Hutchinson of Bay Mills, MI; step-daughters Rachel Pavlat of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Autumn Pavlat of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; mother, Carolyn Hutchinson of Grand Rapids, MI; sisters, Karen Lizzy of Linwood, WA, Jennifer (Tony Casaletto) Hutchinson of Grand Rapids, MI; brother, Bryan (Drew Caffiero) Hutchinson of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren, Myra, Hazel, Stella, and Sunshine; many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by his dog Matilda Honey "Tillie" Hutchinson.
John is predeceased by his father, M. John "Hutch" Hutchinson in February of 2022.

John's family would like to express heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hospice of the EUP especially nurse Christy Curtis, Dr. Neuroth at Sault Tribe Health Center, and everyone who made his journey easier for him.

Traditional Native services for John will be Tuesday August 1, 2023 at 1:30pm at the Bay Mills Cultural Center, 12498 W. Tower Rd Brimley, MI 49715, with prayers Monday evening. Final resting place will be Mission Hill Cemetery in Bay Mills, MI. In lieu of flowers the family request's memorial contributions be made in John's name to, Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.