Patrick H. Hutton

HUTTON, PATRICK H. Age 79, a resident of Albuquerque for 64 years, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Pat was born on March 19, 1935 in the Chicago area. He moved with his family to Albuquerque when he was 15 and spent the rest of his life embracing the sunny days, lakes, mountains, rivers, sunsets, and people of New Mexico. He graduated from Highland High School, and after studying at New Mexico State University, began work at the Public Service Company of New Mexico, from which he retired in 1990. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, always ready to serve meals, bake pies, help with building projects, or lead discussion groups. He served on many Boards, including Landsun Homes Retirement Community in Carlsbad, which is owned and operated by the Methodist Church. He belonged to the Kiwanis Club in Albuquerque and worked with the Santa Fe group during Fiesta, where he had the great honor of operating the Eyes of Zozobra. He spent many hours over several years working with the Special Olympics, ACLOA (now Musical Theater Southwest), Suicide Prevention Help Lines, Share Your Care Adult Day Services, the I-25 Club and numerous others. He found ways to spread his zest for life to those around him by organizing hot dog roasts, bike rides, songfests, Halloween pumpkin carvings, summer rafting trips, picnics, and his renowned St. Patrick's Day parties, for which he spent the entire day preparing his famous corned beef and cabbage. He never missed a performance when his wife, Marilyn, was playing her violin. He loved animals, flowers, music, making jam, ballet, theater, poetry, whistling, playing with his grandchildren, sailing, riding his motorcycle, gardening, playing the guitar, Nascar races, meeting new people, baking bread, and preparing gourmet meals. He was uniquely creative and always ready to try new things. Most of all, Pat's heart was centered on his family and friends. Each birthday card was carefully crafted to express his genuine care. His capacity for listening and empathy brought comfort and encouragement to many, and his love of fun brought joy to everyone around him. People found themselves happy simply by being in his presence. After caring for his aging parents, Pat fulfilled his dream of traveling with his wife, Marilyn, to almost every State and many foreign countries. He cherished his Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland to meet family members and hear stories of his ancestors. In turn, he enjoyed hosting his Irish cousins and showing them New Mexico. He never failed to make new and lasting friends wherever he went. Pat is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children: Joe Hutton, Debi Hale and husband, Steve, Jeffrey Page and wife, Max, and Jill Moore and husband, Randy; his grandchildren: Geoffrey, Krista, Epi, Amelia, Chloe, Alexis, Ashley, Amber, Ryan, Logan, and Nicholas; his sisters: Jackie Cleveland and Carol Brown and husband, Larry; and many Godchildren. Pat was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Hutton, and his granddaughter, Jenifer Hale. Pat's life will be celebrated at First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead Ave. SW. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Donations in Pat's memory may be made to the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, P.O. Box 36893, Albuquerque, NM 87176.