Dr. Gary C. Hutchison's Obituary
Dr Gary C Hutchison, known to many as "Doc", passed away peacefully with his daughter and son-in-law by his side on July 17th. Gary was a lifelong Texan, Neurosurgeon, businessman, husband, Father, and friend to all - especially if you played golf or gin rummy!
He was the dinner guest you always wanted, whether he was telling stories or explaining the latest procedures on brain, neck, or back surgery. He was especially beloved for his deep chuckle and infectious charm and wit. He loved Dallas, and often lamented selling properties in Frisco and beyond that he had purchased in the 70s and 80s. He was always quick to enter a deal, and he was fiercely loyal no matter what. He loved hunting, boating, and skiing and was the first to say “Let’s go have fun", after operating and a long day at the office. One of a kind.
Gary was born in Dallas on January 10th, 1935 in what was once called Vickery, near the now Northpark mall. He was the only child of Ben and Berniece Fuller Hutchison. From an early age, Gary was a high achiever, reaching Eagle Scout at an early age and excelling in his studies at Hillcrest High School. He was in the band playing the clarinet, threw one pass in a pickup football game, and instantly became the quarterback of the football team - the clarinet was sold and uniforms bought! He was named All-District after throwing 23 touchdown passes. He graduated in 1953 as Salutatorian, something he and the Valedictorian teased about over a 70-year friendship. While football was his passion, he chose to focus on academics after high school with a particular interest in medicine. He completed his college coursework at UNT in 2 years and 3 months and, eight days after graduating from UNT, he enrolled at UT Southwestern, the youngest of his class. Gary graduated UT Southwestern in 1959 and began his internship at The University of Oklahoma Hospital, where he developed a keen interest in neurosurgery. He married during this time and had 4 children. Gary and his family returned to Dallas and joined a private family doctor practice. He soon learned this was not his calling and joined the Air Force to attend a prestigious medical school as a Commissioned Captain. He spent the next two years at Homestead base in Florida, delivering military family babies. Neurosurgery, however, was his true calling. He was the only applicant that year selected to UT Southwestern as a resident in neurosurgery. Gary traveled abroad in training and completed a fellowship at Queens Square Hospital in London.
The rest is legendary. He built a private practice at Presbyterian Hospital, now Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine. At 39, he became President of Presbyterian Dallas medical staff and Board Member. A term that was normally 3 years became 22 years. He was integral in the merger with Texas Health Resources and served 11 years on the Board, along with terms on the audit and planning and development committees. He was a Senior Member of the Neurosurgical Society of America, having joined in 1974. He would also serve as President of the Texas Association of Neurosurgeons, a Fellow of the American Board of Neurosurgeons, and a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He has served on numerous Dallas area Boards and has been an active civic and political community leader.
During this meteoric rise in the local medical community, he met the love of his life, Susie. After a divorce from his first wife, and while raising four children on his own, Susie Morris and Gary married in 1975, Susie becoming an instant mother to his four children and a grandchild, Nicole, whom they adopted as their own.
Gary and Susie were founders and active in numerous charities, the arts, and the growth of the Dallas Community. They raised their family in Dallas and left a mark on many of the organizations we affectionately love and support in the DFW area today. They traveled the world together with friends, had a home in Sante Fe and so loved hosting family, friends and anyone ready for a good time! Susie passed in 2017, and along their journey, they lost several children. Laura Hutchison passed in 1990, Leigh Hutchison-Power passed in 2009, and Roark Hutchison in 2011. Gary is survived by Nicole Hutchison-Moore of Plano and Justin Hutchison of Colorado. Nicole Hutchison-Moore and her husband Peter lovingly cared for her Father during his difficult health struggles the past year. Gary leaves his daughter Nicole, her husband Peter Moore, son Justin and Grandchildren Jack and Tess Power of Aspen, Colorado.
He so loved his extended family of Lee and Gayle Morris of Austin, their 3 children and his village of friends, patients, Dallas Country Club friends and so many that know of Gary's warmth and friendship over the years. Gary and Susie belonged to numerous clubs, including Dallas Country Club, Birnam Wood, Eldorado, Santa Barbara, and met many incredible people along the way. Life was lived to its fullest!
The family would like to thank Dr Jim Nicholson, Dr Rick Weiner, Heather Johnson, Naomi Kirkendall, The Cottages Staff and so many who made this difficult time so special.
Gary wanted to leave you all with this: “That Love is all there Is” Emily Dickinson.
A service celebrating Dr Gary’s life will be held at 2pm, July 27th, Restland Memorial Abby Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave. Dallas, Texas 75243.
Memorials may be sent to: Texas Healthcare Resources Foundation, 612 East Lamar Blvd Arlington, Texas 76011, or the charity of your choice.
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