Obituary of Vernon Hutson

REV. VERNON HUTSON After a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's, Vernon passed away peacefully at Shepherd Lodge on Monday, February 25, 2013. Vern leaves a close family who mourn the loss of a loving father and Christian role model, his beloved wife Betty Lou, daughter Karen (Jaime), Daniel, Gabriela, son Harold, Melyssa, Monica, Harold, daughter Lynda (David), Matthew, Andrew, son Michael (Catherine) and daughter-in-law Patricia. He is the eldest of four children and leaves his brother Calvin (May) in New York and nieces Judy and Carolyn, sister Lucille in Trinidad and nieces Luelle in Tobago and Allethe in England and cousin Glenville in Barbados. He will also be remembered by his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Fred Allen and their children Samantha and Thaddeus, sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Sheldon Johnson and their children and David and Pheong Ramberg. Vernon spent a lifetime serving people, and here is his story: Born in Barbados and educated in Canada. He discovered his life's calling during grassroots projects in Africa. He completed his MDiv at Emmanuel College (University of Toronto) and was ordained as a minister with the United Church of Canada. Vernon, wife Betty Lou and family spent over 20 years as missionaries in Brasil. He began his work in the semi rural community of southern Brasil building bridges of friendship and fulfilling the needs of the community. He built a school for education, a medical clinic to serve the ill and a church to fulfill the spiritual needs. Vernon continued his work in the city of Caxias do Sul connecting people of different races, cultures and ideologies. After 15 years of services the mayor presented him the keys to the city in recognition for his work. Vernon and his family returned to Canada. The last chapter of his distinguished career, he served at Riverside Emery United Church where he built many lasting friendships. Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease, but with the support of many in the community and the prayers and support of family and friends, Vern was able to live in his own home until the last few months of his life. We thank Dr. Sharon Cohen and the Toronto Memory Clinic, CCAC, St. Paul's L'Amoreaux Day Programs, Acute Care and Palliative Care of Scarborough General Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital staff, pastoral care from Rev. Bruce Misener, Rev. Harry Bradley, the chaplain at Shepherd Lodge, Rev. Claudine and our minister Rev. Sheila Campbell. We especially thank the caring healthcare staff that cared for our dad in the past few months. We give thanks to God for the life of this loving, caring husband, father and grandfather. Visitation will be held at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. E., on Friday, March 1st from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Riverside Emery United Church, 2799 Weston Rd., on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. A reception in the church hall will follow. Interment will be at Pine Hills Cemetery, Scarborough. No flowers, please. Any memorial gifts can be sent to the Alzheimer Society or the Missionary and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.