photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Nancy Good | all galleries >> Photo-a-Day (or PESO - Photo Every So Often) >> december_2008 > Kindness in Person
previous | next
26-OCT-2008

Kindness in Person

My dear, dear friend, Earl Hutchison, passed away last night (December 10, 2008). This portrait is now my memorial to him, his spirit, and his undying love for humankind. I have rarely met a kinder person or a truer heart. He will be missed.

http://www.pbase.com/image/107054220

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
1/10s f/3.6 at 24.9mm iso200 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time26-Oct-2008 10:41:08
MakePanasonic
ModelDMC-FZ50
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length24.9 mm
Exposure Time1/10 sec
Aperturef/3.6
ISO Equivalent200
Exposure Bias
White Balance
Metering Modematrix (5)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large auto
share
Don R. Behnke 16-Dec-2008 05:10
I worked with Earl in Harlan for 4 years. There was not a better person. That I can think of in all my 50 yesrs of working in the Presbyterian Church.
Don Behnke Clinton U P Church Clinton PA.
Guest 15-Dec-2008 19:54
So sorry to hear about Earl. I recently lost my father this year so I understand how everyone is feeling. The soul moves on and it's times like this that remind us how fragile life is, and that life is a gift. Earls not gone, he's just in another zip code. As the mighty ship that passes out of the distance. It's still a mighty ship yet gone over the horizon to meet new people, places and things. Just because the ship is gone, dosen't mean it's still not mighty anymore. It's just sailed on beyond the rainbows bridge. Heaven is not up in the sky, it's all around us. Merry Christmas Earl, say hello to Daaddy Fish when you hit the Bob Hope Show in Heaven. Unlimited engagement! Michael Fischer and Dogs n Family toonsonice.com
Mark W. Hutchison 15-Dec-2008 18:54
To My Uncle, and my encourager in the faith:
I will miss your encouraging emails Uncle. Whenever I would send you my latest articles, you would always say something positive, even if you didn't fully agree with what I wrote.
And sometimes you spoke your mind which was always for my own good, but always with grace.

I remember one conversation in particular after your beloved wife (our dear Aunt Peggy) died, and you had cared for her for so many years without ever leaving her to "professional" care outside your own home, and you mentioned you had heard I was taking classes @ Reformed Theological Seminary (at my then age of 50) and how you were now wishing to go into the "lay" ministry. I replied with some measure of surprise, "Uncle, what do you think you have been doing all these last few years taking personal care of your wife? You HAVE been in the "ministry" Uncle, the most powerful and most sincerely devoted form of ministry - sacrificing your own business, your time and energy to care for Peggy! Reading & writing is good yes, especially when needing to grow in our faith through Biblical studies, but the "doing" of your faith speaks louder and with more effect to those watching sir!"(and many were watching you).

That is how I will remember you Uncle - a man of faith, and greater still, love. A man who walked his talk with sincerity and integrity, and without fanfare! We are reminded in Scripture that faith without works is rather useless. You showed me more by the living of your life, (more so than the many books I have read during the last 5 years of my time in a classroom) just how true that is!

GODSPEED Uncle...I will miss knowing you were there whenever I desired to hear from you and covet your encouraging words...

Mark W. Hutchison & Family, (Nancy, Josiah, & Liz)
Mike Frazier 15-Dec-2008 18:40
Back in 1976, Earl took a chance on me for a college-level position in his company, even though I only had a freshly-minted Nashville State technician degree at the time. I worked for him in 1976 and 1977, before deciding I needed to go back to college to complete a 4-year engineering degree. He was about the same age as my father, and they were both WWII veterans. I really looked on him as a second father. We lost touch, but I contacted his company about 2 years ago and got his email address and phone number. He was very cheery and excited to hear from me :).

He helped me at a critical stage in my life when I was kind of drifting, and helped turn me into a successful professional. He is greatly missed!
Dave Smith 12-Dec-2008 12:11
Human kind has lost a tremendous GENTLE HEARTED MAN who poured out his LOVE to everyone he came in contact with. I will miss Earl always, he was like a father to me. I will never let go of the wisdom he shared. As I celebrate his graduation day, I can't imagine
the smile on his face as he met JESUS. Earl was sure there are gorgiuos golf courses in Heaven. Many a day my phone would ring, and Earl would want to play, so as we celebrate his life, I can only imagine what he'll be doing.
My dear friend, we missed you this year on the Myrtle Beach trip, hit it long and straight.
George and Shirley 12-Dec-2008 02:53
We can't imagine our church without Earl. His deep and honest faith was a light to all of us. When he said "The Lord be with you" we knew he meant it. Now we can only honor him by trying to follow his path.
Valerie Barton 12-Dec-2008 01:37
Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this portrait. Earl was a rare breed, and he meant a great deal to a great many people. I know his spirit will live on in all of us who have been embraced by his friendship and empowered by his unabiding faith. Peace and love, Val.
Stuart 11-Dec-2008 23:49
A wonderful friend and a stalwart of the church. Earl will be greatly missed. I guess the only comforting thought is, he is celebrating this Christmas with Jesus.
Nancy Good11-Dec-2008 17:46
His arrival in Heaven is the celebration we cling to as we search for comfort for our saddened hearts.
Guest 11-Dec-2008 17:35
That is a wonderful shot of him, Nancy. I thought of you and Frankie this morning. How I will miss seeing Frankie and Earl arm-in-arm during prayers. What a hole he leaves us to step up and fill. I am deeply saddened to know that I won't get another Earl hug, but I know his arrival in Heaven is being celebrated by the angels and I will bet my bottom dollar that his dear Peggy is in the front row.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment