Lee H. Hutchins

1922 – 2013

WEST PARIS — Lee Howard Hutchins died April 28 at Ledgeview Living Center from complications of congestive heart failure.

Lee was born on March 8, 1922, in Bethel, to Howard and Lula Bessie Cummings Hutchins. He never knew his parents, as they both died when he was a baby. He was raised by his grandparents, Lincoln and Inez Cross Cummings. Lee was an avid outdoorsman, learning to hunt, fish and trap at an early age. Trapping for fur earned him his spending money. He graduated from Gould Academy in 1941.

Lee served in the U. S. Army during World War II from Dec. 1942 to Jan. 1946; 27 of those months in New Guinea. During his tour, he was bothered that the Army cemetery on the island had no marker, sign or a gateway, so he built one. A very large pillared archway with a sign indicating the cemetery was the United States Armed Forces and in Lae New Guinea. He was also instrumental in building a mess hall, a simple but adequate structure. He was friendly with the natives and became friendly with Foster’s Lager, an Australian export.

He married Virginia Smith of Bethel upon his return from the service. Together, they raised four children in their hometown of Bethel, where they lived for 90 years until it became necessary for them to move to a nursing home this past fall. Lee worked for 48 years for LE Davis Lumber Co., eventually serving as mill supervisor. He made a supplemental living for many years by sharpening blades, mostly saws of all shapes and sizes. His mastery was highly sought, as this skill was not mastered by many.

He was a fantastic woodworker and chair caner. Many are proud to own his handcrafted pieces. He was a great artisan in great demand during the winter months for repairing and building furniture for many people. He even spent a few winters building strip cedar canoes and paddles. Beautiful works of art. During the summer months he was busy maintaining his four vegetable gardens. His talents were always in high demand.

Lee always spoke his mind, whether that was offensive or not. He was always up for a good debate and held very strong opinions. However, he lived a life of love and was loved by many.

He was a member of the Bethel Historical Society, S.A.M., N.R.A., American Legion and the Maine and National Trappers Association.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Smith Hutchins; his son, Michael Hutchins and wife, Janis Kennagh Hutchins, of South Paris; his son, Mark Hutchins of Salisbury, N.H.; his daughter, Kelly Hutchins Thibodeau and husband, Michael; his son-in-law, Al Stimpson of Durham; his grandchildren, Jennifer Hutchins Currier and husband, David, Jr. and their children, Kaleb, Colby and Carter, all of Oxford, Thomas Lee Hutchins of South Paris, Andrea Hutchins Sickinger and husband, Jonathan and their children, Dylan and Taylor, all of South Hadley, Mass., Karen Hutchins and her fiance, Jesse Bieluch of Milford, Tim Lea of Reidsville, N.C., Robin Lea of Portland, Molly Lea of Peaks Island, Kate Lea Luckett and husband, Matt, of Greenville, S.C. and Landon Thibodeau of Freeport.

He was predeceased by his brother, Harlan Hutchins; his sister, Rita Hutchins Davis; his daughter, Jill Hutchins; his daughter-in-law, Pam Douglass Hutchins; and his son-in-law, John Gilbert “Biff” Lea.

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