Hutchins, David E.

David E. Hutchins of Blacksburg, Va., died Saturday, November 6, 2010. Born on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940, in Algona, Iowa, David was son, spouse, father, friend, teacher, researcher, life-long learner, artist, and lover of nature and life.

Predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Irene Hutchins and his brother, Robert Hutchins, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Mark and Jon; and grandson, Isaiah. He is also survived by his brother, Richard; two special cousins, Karen Hutchins Pirnot and Sandra Hutchins Allen; as well as his brother-in-law, Marshall and wife Jennifer; two nieces; and a nephew; a host of friends; and his “therapy dog” Ayo. David was an award-winning teacher and professor at Virginia Tech for 31 years in the Counselor Education Program. During his tenure at Tech, he served for eight years on the VA Board of Professional Counselors (appointed by Governors Baliles, Robb and Wilder) and was chair for two years. He received awards for leadership and was recognized by his alma mater, Ohio University, for his contributions to the counseling profession. In David’s time since retirement in 2002 he has been a serious and passionate student of art and has painted landscapes and flowers, viewing nature as his primary focus. The family is grateful to friends and loved ones for all their kindnesses during his long illness (from 2002 to the present). They thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, with special gratitude to Dr. Jerome Goldschmidt and Dr. Karanita Ojomo. They also thank Carilion Hospice personnel, nurses Lisa, Wendy and Melanie and Dr. Harry McCoy, for their diligence and loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Wings Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, P.O. Box 6009, Christiansburg, Va., 24068 or to the Capital Campaign Fund of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 144, Blacksburg, Va., 24062. A memorial service will be held at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a reception and time to visit with the family. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.