On Friday, September 2, 2022, Richerd “Rick” James Hutchinson once again found himself on the stairs to heaven. This time the door was open and the voice from beyond the light said, “Well done thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

 

On the 24th of April 1966, Richerd James Hutchinson was born in Spokane, Washington. At a little over 8lbs, the doctor remarked that he was a baby moose. This would set the tone for how impactful he would be on those around him. Like his father before him, Rick believed that he could do anything. “The impossible just takes longer.” In his lifetime, he earned a master's degree in human services, an associate degree in business, became a master electrician, owned two businesses, and sat on the state electrical board. He was always striving, always working, and always thinking of new ways to improve the lives of those around him. His work as a master electrician can be found all over the city of Great Falls and throughout the state of Montana. As an electrical inspector, his one and only goal was to protect people's lives. 

 

In his personal life, Rick was a provider. He believed in taking care of the people around him and giving everyone a fair deal. Because of this, it was impossible to be out in public with Rick because it felt like half of Great Falls knew him and wanted to speak with him. He was so many things to so many people. His absence will be felt for a very long time.

 

He loved and trusted in God. His faith through good and bad times never wavered. He would remind others that, “God is in control, life will unfold the way it is supposed to.” He loved listening to YNOP and the Lutheran Hour on the radio.

He loved and was loved by his family and friends, but especially by his soul mate and wife, Shantelle. They began their life together at the age of 16 and married at the age of 21. They were blessed to have just celebrated 35 years of marriage. The pride and joy of his life was their beautiful daughter Alysha. Rick never missed a school program and was given the joy of seeing her graduate from college, walking her down the aisle, and holding his two beautiful grandbabies.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Lila Hay, Tom and Maxine Willits; his grandaunt, Emmogene; and his father, James Richerd Hutchinson. Left here to carry on his memory are his mother, Beverly; sister and brother-in-law, Robin and Scott Western; uncle and aunt; Jack and Iris Hutchinson, and aunt Shelly Ziggler; mother and father-in-law, Bill and Diana Holiday; sister-in-law, Shauna McCoy; his pride and joy, Alysha Nordwall and son-in-law Paul; his two beautiful grandchildren, Raelynn and Lucas; and the love of his life, his soul mate, and wife, Shantelle.

A service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 1:00 pm.