Harry Royce Hutchins

Harry Royce Hutchins was born November 17, 1930, and passed away December 26, 2023, at the age of 93. The son of Royce Harry Hutchins and Alberta Merrill, Harry’s childhood was spent in Plymouth and Thornton, New Hampshire. Harry joined the Army after high school, and was stationed in Germany, France, and England. During his time in the military, he graduated with excellence from Radio Operator school and Combat Intelligence training. From 1950-51 he also served on the front lines in Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in connection with military operations. Upon his return home from active duty after his time at the battle front, Harry said, “Landing in this country was like coming from hell to heaven.” After completing his military service Harry re-kindled his romance with his high school sweetheart Shirley Fosie, and on April 6, 1952, Harry and Shirley were married. They lived in Plymouth and raised three children together: Clint, Cheryl, and Robin. Harry and Shirley were married 66 years before Shirley’s death on December 29, 2018. For the last year of Shirley’s life Harry would take a daily walk from his assisted living home to her nursing home and spend as many precious moments with her as possible. Harry was a postman in Plymouth, where he was beloved by many people who appreciated his bright smile and spirit. After he retired Harry and Shirley would walk all over town together, inspiring their neighbors to also get out and walk. They also liked to bring donuts to the police station. One of Harry’s last wishes was to bring donuts to the Plymouth Police station, where his grandson Alex Hutchins was now the Chief of Police. He and Shirley would tell people, "Have fun while you can!" Every year on their anniversary they would go to the greeting card aisle in the local stores and pick out their favorites, but they skipped the buying part and just laughed reading them to each other. Harry also liked going to casinos.Two of his grandchildren, Mike Johnson and Dawn Marshall, would annually take him from his home at Golden Crest Assisted Living for an overnight outing of slot machine delight. To prepare for those exciting annual outings Harry would walk the halls of the assisted living home so that his legs would be strong enough to enjoy those precious, carefree moments. He would imagine that Shirley's spirit was by his side, telling him which machines to play. Harry leaves a rich legacy of love for his country, love for his family, and love for Jesus Christ. He was a humble servant of love. One of his favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” From a young age, Harry had a deep faith in God. As a child, he would sometimes climb trees and read his Bible, and he lived as the Bible taught him to live, doing his best to love his fellow beings throughout his lifetime. He went directly from childhood on a farm to military service as a very young man. He felt compelled to be the best patriotic soldier he could be, and he carried that dedication throughout his life, from always treating the flag with the proper respect to doing his duty as a citizen the best way he knew how. Even as a soldier, Harry’s faith and love of Jesus carried him through dark times. When he was in fox holes under heavy artillery fire, he would repeatedly recite Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear. Though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” Harry felt that his belief in these words saved his life. His wish for his loved ones is that they will be comforted by his sure faith that he has been welcomed into the hereafter by Jesus and by his eternally beloved wife Shirley. Harry and Shirley spent their lives adoring their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and they in turn spent as much time with him as they could. Harry was a moral compass for them all. He leaves behind many family and friends who will always cherish him. Harry was predeceased by his wife Shirley and is survived by his three children Clint (Michele), Cheryl (Dave), and Robin (Bob) and grandchildren Annie, Chenoa (Steve), Alex (Amanda), Emily, Cara (Chris), Cathy (Andy), Dawn (Jeff) and Mike. In addition Harry was known as Pa to his great grandchildren Helena, Brecken, Kennedy, Christina, David, Natalie, Jocelyn, Scarlett and Jacob. Per Harry’s wishes, there will not be a formal celebration of life service. Instead, PFD Checks can be made in Harry’s memory as a donation for the new public safety building being built in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Please send a check in loving memory of Harry Royce Hutchins to: Plymouth Fireman’s Association Building Fund 43 Highland St. Plymouth, NH 03264

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Harry Royce Hutchins

November 17, 1930 - December 26, 2023