Richard McCutchon

1943 - 2026

Richard Allen McCutchon, of Hanover, passed away with family by his side at Chapman House, Owen Sound on Sunday, July 12th, 2026. He was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, and moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario at the age of two with his parents, Don and Connie McCutchon. He was the eldest of four siblings, alongside David, Carol (predeceased), and Karen Gregg (née McCutchon).

During his years at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, Rick was actively involved in school life, including singing bass in the choir. He also served two years each as a sea and air cadet, earned his Queen’s Scout ranking in Boy Scouts, and worked part-time at Shaw’s Bakery. He went on to pursue post-secondary studies at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ryerson University, and a Baptist Bible college in Toronto. In his forties, Rick also completed a bachelor’s degree in Communications at Lakehead University.

Rick met the love of his life, Joan McCutchon (née Evans) at a Toronto church event on New Year’s Eve. Their connection was immediate, and they were married less than three months later, beginning 59 years of devoted and joyful marriage. Together, they raised three children: Tanja McCutchon, Brooke Fajcz (née McCutchon), and Michael McCutchon (predeceased).

In Thunder Bay, Rick worked as an electrical technician with Ontario Hydro for twenty-six years before taking early retirement to follow a calling to foreign missions. He and Joan served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea, where Rick managed the Technical Department in Ukarumpa for nine years. In July 2003, they returned to Canada and settled in Hanover, Ontario.

In retirement, Rick found great joy in working with his hands—building, tinkering with computers, gardening, reading, cooking, and baking. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren (Matt, Emma, Beth, and Alex) and enjoyed traveling and exploring many parts of the world.

A man of deep faith, Rick loved the Lord and faithfully served as church treasurer in several congregations over the years. Even while fighting cancer for twenty years, he remained active and resilient, known for his daily walks and the many hours he spent each winter clearing snow from his driveway.

Rick will be remembered for his steady faith, his servant’s heart, and his love for his family.

Cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at Hanover Missionary Church (628 11th St. Hanover, ON) on Monday, July 20 at 11 am. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-10:45 am. The cremated remains will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Thunder Bay, ON.

As an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Hanover Missionary Church or Chapman House in Owen Sound, ON (make cheques payable to Grey Bruce Hospice) in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.