Obituary: HUTCHINSON, W

W. Merril Hutchinson1954-2013W. Merril Hutchinson entered into rest on October 2, 2013 in West Valley City, Utah after a brave battle with cancer. He was a strong man with a big heart, who loved everyone, embraced the virtues of service and self-reliance, and had an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ which he shared freely. He was born January 2, 1954 in Orlando, Florida to Wilford and Irene Schrader Hutchinson. Merril's family moved to Kearns, Utah in 1956. He swam competitively for Kearns High, and placed first in his event at the State Tournament. After moving during his high school years, he served an L.D.S. Mission in Denver, Colorado in 1973. While on his mission his father passed away and his family moved back to Utah. Merril married in 1979, had four children and later divorced. He was sealed to the true joy of his life, Joan in 1999 in the Jordan River Temple. One of Merril's greatest passions was mentoring young men through scouting and L.D.S. positions, including Young Men President, Stake Young Men President, Scout Master, Bishopric, High Council, and BSA District Chairman. Because of his dedicated service, Merril was recipient of many awards: District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, Heart of an Eagle, Lifetime Silver Beaver, and the West Valley City Essential Piece Recognition. Merril enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, fishing, golfing, traveling the world, and most of all, being with his children and grandchildren. Merril is survived by his wife, Joan (Staffanson), his children Brandon Hutchinson (Tommy), Cameron Hutchinson (Alicia), Megan Peterson (Nathan), Brynn Hutchinson, his step-children Matthew Sherwood, Hilary Cook (Nathan), grandchildren (Mailee, Ashtyn, Haylee, and Tayah Hutchinson; Aliya, Taylor, Ethan, and Maya Cook; Brooklyn Peterson), and five sisters and two brothers.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boy Scouts of America at: Great Salt Lake Council, BSA, 525 S. Foothill Blvd, SLC, UT 84113.Funeral Services for Merril will be held Monday, October 7, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 So. Falcon Street. The family will receive friends at a visitation Sunday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South; and Monday from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the Ward. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family @ www.valleyviewfuneral.com