Brian Ward Hutchins, 63, of Waldorf, Maryland and formerly of Lockport, New York, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at Charles Regional Medical Center, LaPlata, Maryland.

Born on September 12, 1960, in Lockport, New York, Brian was the cherished son of Ward Henry Hutchins and Gayle (Grinnell) Hutchins. He grew up with a love for the outdoors and a deep connection to the community that shaped him. During his adolescent years, Brian earned the prestigious rank of an Eagle Scout, an achievement he was inspired to achieve by his father, Ward. Additionally, Brian had the distinction of competing on the television show “It’s Academic”. In 1978, Brian went on to graduate with high honors from Newfane High School. When he wasn’t engaged in his studies or outdoor activities, Brian spent many years working at Reid’s in Lockport, New York, where he was well known and loved by his colleagues and customers at his job.

After high school, Brian pursued higher education at Norwich University in Vermont, where he graduated in 1984 with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration. During his time at Norwich, he was a member of the economic honor society, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and frequently enjoyed hitting the ski slopes, often at times with his family and friends. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 22, 1985, and served until he was honorably discharged on February 29, 1996.  Brian received the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon.

Brian served his last duty assignment in Rabat, Morocco, where he had the honor of meeting the current King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI. While stationed in Morocco and working at the American Embassy, Brian met Anissa Hutchins-Stanton, whom he married on March 4^th, 1995. Later that year on December 5^th, 1995, they welcomed their first child to the world, Adam Brian Hutchins, in the midst of one memorable blizzard. In 1997, Brian and Anissa moved to Waldorf, Maryland, where Brian made his permanent home. On March 26^th, 1999, Brian and Anissa welcomed their second child, Sara Gayle Hutchins. That same year, Brian decided to further his education after separating from the navy and started a graduate degree program, in which he earned a Master of Science in business administration from the University of Maryland. Following his graduate education, Brian later went on to work as a contractor at SAIC, where he was known for his strong work ethic and unyielding integrity.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian found joy in the simple pleasures in life. He cherished relaxing by the shores of Lake Ontario, where he could even occasionally be found water skiing or playing badminton. Aside from his sporting activities, Brian immensely enjoyed digging his nose into a good book and getting lost in thought. His greatest joy, however, came from the time he spent time with his family, including his two dogs, Charlie and Jasper. Brian’s gentle spirit extended beyond his family to the many causes he supported, including his long-time contributions to Lab Rescue, reflecting much of his mothers’ deep compassion for animals.

Brian is survived by his children, Adam Brian Hutchins of Waldorf, Maryland, and Sara Gayle Hutchins of Chesapeake, Virginia; and his siblings, Jeffrey Charles Hutchins of Oxnard, California, and David Bradley Hutchins of Frisco, Texas. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.