GALEN OTIS HUTCHISON JR.

BRANDON — Galen Otis Hutchison Jr., age 86, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Mountain View Center in Rutland.

Galen was born in Middlebury on Dec. 6, 1937. He was the son of Galen and Kathleen (MacCall) Hutchison Sr. He grew up on Wagner Road in Forest Dale and received his early education in local schools. He graduated from Brandon High School, class of 1955. He afterwards attended Paul Smith’s College and earned his degree from the University of Vermont. Upon graduation he worked for UVM in Forestry Research.

He has been a consultant in forestry management for many years, retiring in 2000. He and his family had lived in Bakersfield for several years before returning to the Brandon area. He was a member of the Leicester Church of the Nazarene, where he has been involved in many church affairs and activities. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an avid reader and loved making maple syrup and working in his garden.

Surviving is his son; Andrew Hutchison and his wife Donna of Leicester; and a daughter, Wendy Cijka and her husband Stephen of Hubbardton; and two grandchildren, Emma Cijka of Shoreham and Joseph Cijka of Hubbardton. Several nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his wife, Sally (Sargent) Hutchison, whom he married in Forest Dale on Jan. 29, 1959, and a sister, Laura Slattery.

Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home on Friday, March 22, from 5 until 7 p.m.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on March 23, at 11 a.m., at the Leicester Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Michael Vincent will officiate. Following the service the family will receive friends in the church hall for a time of remembrance.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to: Leicester Church of The Nazarene, 39 Windy Knoll Lane, Leicester, VT 05733.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. ◊