Gary Hutt, who died Feb. 22 at age 87, often said he was just a farm boy who God made into a pastor. His love for people was authentic, and it is said he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Born in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, Gary was one of 14 children. At age 10 he immigrated to the U.S. with his family.
Although he dropped out of high school at age 16 to help run the family farm, Gary later graduated from Calvin College (now University), then taught for two years at Grand Rapids Christian High School. In 1964, after the unexpected death of his and his wife Roberta’s first baby, Gary felt called by God to become a pastor. Graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1969.
Gary pastored seven congregations, four of them as a home missionary with Christian Reformed Home Missions (now a part of Resonate Global Mission). He served Ogden (Utah) Christian Reformed Church; Immanuel CRC, Burbank, Ill.; Oak Hills CRC, Beaverton, Ore.; Park Lane CRC, Evergreen Park, Ill.; Sunrise CRC, McMinnville, Ore.; Ebenezer CRC, Leota, Minn.; and Maranatha CRC, Mesa, Ariz.
Concentrating on helping churches grow, Gary’s ministry included countless Vacation Bible Schools, leadership of 30 SWIM (Summer Workshop in Missions) teams, and four church-building expansions. In McMinnville he organized a combined Palm Sunday service with 26 churches. He served several times as a delegate to synod, the CRC’s annual general assembly.
Gary enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and Gonzaga basketball; gardening; potlucks; singing; and boating and fishing. He loved to cook and was known for making great pancakes. His love for God, fishing, and pancakes has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Predeceased by son David, Gary is survived by Roberta, his wife of 62 years; five children and their spouses; and 11 grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.