Nancy Millionie sent this account of the memorial for Hutch, held at Sunfest.

I just want to extend a huge thanks to Margit, Hutch's daughter, for such a touching and lovely tribute to Hutch during Sunfest, September 24, 2005; and to Fran who always seems to craft and provide the perfect thing at the perfect time. Margit, you are such a lovely person, inside and out. Thank you so much for coming down to Ocean City, Maryland and giving us the chance to meet you, and join with you in honoring your father. Every time I looked at your face, I could see Hutch, and it touched me deeply.

And Fran, thank you for putting together that video show. It was wonderful, and it had the whole Bar in rapt attention. It was a loving and moving remembrance.

The tribute on the beach was something I'll never forget. Margit said that Hutch just loved Ocean City. And on that evening, the ocean, the sand, the breeze, and the sky at dusk brought us all closer to him. While Mr. Bennett played, Mr. Malone sang "Ramblin' Boy," a beautiful song about friendship. Margit talked about her father; and Buck Mann, Pat McNamara, DR Bill, Mr. Bennett, and Big John stood on the sand and offered memories and anecdotes from the many years they'd spent together. The gathering of up to 100 people endured a chilly and blustery dusk at the edge of the beach just outside Shenanigan's for about 30 minutes to honor our Hutch. Fran supplied all in attendance with red, white, and blue balloons that we held during the tribute. It was very comforting to be able to hold onto those balloons while everyone spoke. They were blowing and bobbing, and at times it was hard to hold onto them, but you wanted to hold onto "something," y'know?

At the end, Mr. Malone said, "As Hutch used to say when we did 'Amelia Earhart,' when it was time to let the airplanes fly: 'Let 'em go!'" Then hundreds of balloons flew in a big cloud up into the Ocean City sky. It was awesome.

- more -

and now, some pictures.
These were sent by Pat McNamara. Thanks, Pat!
As usual, you can click these to see them bigger.

Getting underway:

No rest for the legends.

Recognize anyone?
That's Dr. Kazoo in the green, and Margit next to him in the white, I'm pretty sure.

Margit said some good words.

Here's to you, my ramblin' boy.

Let 'em go.

Later in the evening:


Thanks for the picture, Margit.