Robert “Bob” Hutchings

October 4, 1923 - March 22, 2021

The only child of Oscar Raymond Hutchings and Marguerite Carabin, Bob Hutchings was born in 1923 in San Francisco CA and also lived in Alameda for portions of his childhood. He had vivid memories of life both before and during the Great Depression. He remembered the extravagant life of the 20’s complete with fancy clothes and bathtub gin parties at his house, as well as the trying times of the 30’s when his parents would send him alone to the local grocery store to get additional credit for the family so they could have food to make meals. His parents sacrificed to send him to St. Ignatious High School (Class of ‘41). He had to take a train, a ferry and a streetcar each day to and from school from Alameda but really valued the friends and education he received there. Bob also had a mischievous side, sharing great stories of his antics with his beloved dog Rex. Other parents frequently tried to shield their kids from “little Bobby” and his adventures. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy where he served as a Radio Operator in the Pacific Theater. He attended USF for a time after the war but ended up joining the Merchant Marines where he continued his love of the sea, bachelor life and world travel for over a decade. He enjoyed returning to shore after six months on the ship with his entire wages for that time paid in cash, stuffed and burning a hole in his pocket. It was a joy to live the good life in SF, buying rounds of drinks at his favorite bar Tippy’s for his buddies until his wad of cash ran out and he went back to sea. He finally settled down and married Dorothy “Dottie” Hutmacher (1928-1992) in 1959 in search of a new career (Pharma Sales with Roche) and home in the suburbs where he could raise a family. Sandra was born in 1960 and shortly thereafter they moved to the Parkway Estates neighborhood in Sacramento where two more children arrived: Greg in 1963 and Bruce in 1965. It was a priority for

Bob to send all of his kids to Catholic school for their education. After his first wife Dottie passed away Bob found true love again marrying Betty Ann Watters in 1996. He always said he was “the luckiest guy to have found two true loves” in his life. They had the quintessential retirement years with great health, traveling all over the world, lots of golf and continuing to reside in his home of over 50 years for the rest of his life. Betty and Bob were also very active in the St. Joseph’s Church bereavement group and Clara’s House Healthcare Clinic and attending board meetings well into his 90’s. Bob loved tennis, watching his kids and grandkids participate in everything, and especially golf which he was healthy enough to play up until four years ago. Everything was set aside each day when “the yardarm fell” at 5:00pm for his daily cocktail which he enjoyed with the company of family and friends up until two days before his death. He was past president of Parkway Swim Club, a Niners fan from the beginning - attending games at Kezar Stadium in 1946 and took his patriarchal role in the family very seriously. Bob had a great sense of humor which he often used to relax everyone in tense situations - even up to the very end. Bob had a way of making everyone feel comfortable through his generous, gentle nature and humbleness. “Never toot your own horn” was one of his sayings. Bob also felt strongly that one should never do too much of anything: work, exercise or indulgences. He lived in moderation and enjoyed great health up until recent weeks.

He is survived by his wife Betty Ann Watters and his children Sandy, Greg (Tina), and Bruce (Luanne), stepsons Pat Watters and Chris Watters and grandchildren Jordan, Mckinley, Mallory, Riley, Lucy and Kaytie. Predeceased by first wife Dottie and stepson Tim Watters. A private celebration will be held on April 9th. In lieu of flowers, donations to Clara’s House are much appreciated.