Newspaper Article 1994 – Ray Hutchinson Dies

Ray Hutchinson dies

Ray Hutchinson, who took over an old-established Hastings furnishing business to found Hutchinson’s Furnishers in 1950, died on Friday. He was 84.

The business had operated in Karamu Rd in a small two-storey shop now occupied by Sirocco craft studios. It moved later into the Municipal building in Heretaunga St where it is still run by his son Bryan who bought it in 1967 when his father retired.

Ray Hutchinson was born in Hastings, where his father was a barber in Karamu Rd. After leaving Central School [he] began at C. H. Slater Ltd where he wanted to be a fruit packer but was hired as tea boy.

He later took an upholstery apprenticeship and served his time with Billy West, but was sent to plant trees in state forests with other unemployed people during the Depression.

Later in the 1930s he joined A. Christie and Sons in an upholstery and cabinet making factory in Central Hastings, where he became manager and then in 1946 bought the business.

Four years later Mr Hutchinson took over the furnishing business of Gilkison and Stead, which had previously been S. J [T]. Tong’s furnishing and undertaking business which had operated from before the turn of the century.

Mr Hutchinson was a keen boxer who won several Hawke’s Bay titles and represented Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand championships.

He played both golf and bowls and was a past master of the Masonic Lodge. He was also a keen Hastings Lions Club member.

His wife Iris died earlier this year.

Mr Hutchinson is survived by son Bryan and daughter Wendy, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His funeral was held in Hastings this afternoon.