Obituary of Ward H. Hutchins

Ward Hutchins of Lockport,N.Y., passed away Thursday February 23, 2023 at the age of 86.  He was born March 14,1936, in Watertown, N.Y., the eldest son of the late Walter and Edna (Ward) Hutchins.  Ward graduated in 1953 from Massena High School. At the age of 17, he received a cooperative scholarship to General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, under the sponsorship of the Harrison Radiator Division in Lockport.  Endlessly energetic and resourceful, Ward excelled in extracurricular activities at G.M.I, where he joined the Phi Kappa Epsilon fraternity, became editor of the school newspaper, and was recognized for campus leadership when he was selected for the prestigious Robot Society.

During his 41 years with General Motors, Ward held engineering management positions in heat exchanger design, automotive product development, international systems engineering, and research and development. His business travels took him around the world, and finally to Luxembourg, where he resided from 1991 to 1993 while establishing a technical design center to serve General Motors' European interests. He retired as a Chief Engineer in 1994.

Ward was also active in community service organizations, including the Lockport Jaycees(president), Boy Scout Troop 40 (chairman), Newfane Board of Education (vice president), United Way(co-chairman),and Occupational Advisory Council of Orleans-Niagara BOCES (president). He was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Ward enjoyed travel, skiing, gardening. golf, fishing, playing bridge with friends, cheering on the Bills and Sabres, and attending Buffalo Philharmonic concerts. His favorite place was the family summer cottage on Lake Ontario, where he could swim, sail and host visiting family and friends.

Ward was predecease by his wife Gayle (nee Grinnell) Hutchins, who passed away March 25, 2020.  He is survived by three sons: Brian, of Waldorf, MD; Jeffrey (Lili), of Oxnard, CA; and David (Ligia), of Frisco, TX, all of whom have been a source of great pride and joy to their parents. Also surviving are five grandchildren, two brothers, Erwin and James, and a sister, Ethel.

Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials to Emmanuel Methodist Church or Wright's Corners Boy Scout Troop 40 would be appreciated.  Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.