Andrew (Neil)  HUTTON

Obituary of Andrew (Neil) Neilson HUTTON

May 28, 1934 – Strathaven, Scotland

December 23, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta 

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Neil aged 86 years at Bowview Manor, Calgary.  Neil will be lovingly missed by his life partner, companion and friend of 62 years, Maureen.   Neil was a much loved, devoted father to his three children: Neil (Laurie), Gillian (Scott), Graeme (Patty) and a wonderful, adoring Papa to Justin (Victoria), Laura, Janice, Kyle, Maddie and Erin.  He will be fondly remembered by sister-in-law, Gillian Ireland and Patti Haley, mother of Janice and Erin.

Neil was an adventurer, scientist, and lover of animals and will be forever remembered in the garden at Windermere with his favourite grand-dog, Shadow. Neil pursued a number of outdoor pursuits but was most passionate about skiing and spent many happy hours with friends of the Seniors Alpine Ski Club on the slopes of the Rockies.  He and Maureen were avid hikers and along with their dear friends in the M’M Outdoor Club they shared many hiking experiences both locally and in the U.S.  Neil and Maureen were always curious about history, archeology, culture, and, of course geology, and travelled extensively. Neil’s first grand adventure away from his home in Scotland was as a field geologist in northern Ghana, where he worked in the bush and where Neil and Maureen started their life together.

After completing his doctorate in Geology at the University of Glasgow in1966 Neil and Maureen decided to emigrate to Canada with their young family.  Arriving in Calgary, Neil continued his career with Texaco Exploration Canada where his technical and leadership qualities resulted in a rapid rise in management. Neil left Texaco as assistant chief geologist in 1979 to cofound Petrel Consultants Ltd. a geophysical/ geological consulting firm. During his career, Neil contributed to Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists on the executive and as president from 1982-1991.  His work was recognized by the award of Honorary Membership for distinguished services to the society. Neil continued to consult independently until the call of the outdoors and travelling proved too compelling. 

Neil will also be remembered for his involvement in the early years of the Learning Disabilities Association and the genesis of the Calgary Learning Centre (now the CanLearn Society).  A labour of love, Neil worked tirelessly to raise the awareness of learning disabilities.  Along with other board members, a consortium of Provincial and municipal stakeholders was created to form the Society in 1980. In 2019, he was awarded the Peter Gzowsky award for Literacy.

The family will have a private service. With present restrictions, there will be no larger gathering at this time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Neil’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to CanLearn Society, Suite 100, 1117 MacLeod Trail SE, T2G 2M8,  or to  Bowview Manor,  4628 Montgomery Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 0K7, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Neil’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Bowview Manor for the support and kindness in looking after Neil during his stay.

In living memory of Neil Hutton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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