HUTCHINSON, Clifford Allan

Age 72, of Truro, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2021, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre. He was a loving father, a gifted and beloved educator, and a loyal friend. He had a brilliant mind, rapier wit and a kind heart. Born in Toronto, Ont., Cliff was a son of the late Fred and Elsie (Cooper) Hutchinson. He was a ‘navy brat’ who grew up in Owen Sound; Shannon Park, Dartmouth, and Chester. He became a Queen’s Scout, lifeguard, swim instructor and a tea drinking winning bridge player. Cliff’s flatmates at Teachers College called him ‘Mom’ due to his impressive cooking skills. Cliff taught school in Dartmouth for 33 years. While at Bel Ayr Junior High, Eric Graves Junior High and Prince Andrew High School, he obtained a Master’s Degree from Dalhousie and St. Mary’s Universities. Cliff’s honours students respectfully addressed him as Sir, and appreciated his unconventional, dynamic teaching style. He delighted in seizing the ‘teachable moment’ with everyone he met. His business card read, “He has little Latin and less Greek…the consummate history pedagogue”. Cliff was an avid reader, a shrewd gamer and a Sci-fi fan, whose radio was always tuned to CBC. He was the consummate host who loved to entertain family and friends. When not caring for his beautiful Dartmouth home and Druids Close, his farmhouse on the beach, Cliff adored wilderness camping and canoeing with the family at Keji. He was a world traveler whose many adventures took him to five continents. He knew the ancient history of every place, but was harder-pressed to locate modern amenities. His incredible memory and thirst for knowledge ensured he was always on the winning team in trivia contests, although he was told not to return to a British pub in Portugal as the other expats were tired of losing. After Cliff retired to the Gulf Shore/pugwash area, he discovered a talent for carving beautiful wooden Santas, fishing boats and walking sticks. He also stayed active through community volunteerism. He served as the chairman of the Gathering of the Clans Canada Day festival; was on the board of the CO-OP, serving as president for his last two years, and helped build the curling club, where he curled for many years with friends. Cliff is survived by Donna; daughter, Kim (Steve Clayton), Riverview, N.B.; brother, Fred (Jane), Old Barns; and sister, Carolanne (Lorne Pike), Bedford; plus, many nieces, nephews and a godson. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Colette. At Cliff’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your local food bank, or the charity of your choice, in his honour. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Cliff’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.ca