The impact Don has had on countless members and the club over the years is truly immeasurable.
I can imagine that many club members, volunteers and officials have been devastated to hear the tragic news about our longstanding Most Valuable Club Person, Don Hutchinson. Not only did Don help to found the club in 1985/6, he took on multiple roles and set the bar extremely high on how to do them compassionately, with modesty, with humour and, of course, brilliantly too.
He was a greatly admired coach to our juniors. He made it such fun and he encouraged everyone. He nurtured and inspired ‘his’ juniors, both in their development as young people, as well as in their hopes and dreams as young triathletes. In being responsible for identifying and bringing on young talent, he was chuffed when some progressed into youth and junior teams initially, and later into age group and elite teams.
Don took on many club roles over the years, and always carried them out with enthusiasm and dedication. Probably the most high profile being that as Chair, although more members will recall his enduring efforts as the Race director of CTC events, at which his dulcet tones could often be heard as a/the commentator. If that wasn’t enough, he was self-appointed as the club’s recorder of success through the Roll of Honour. Not only was this a wonderful labour of love, it took on a life of its own and demonstrated beyond doubt how diverse and deep the achievements of a wide group of club members has been. Of course, Don appeared himself from time to time….
His performances for the British triathlon, duathlon and aquabike Teams were legendary – providing incredible Don stories regaled with wit and atmospheric description. We were so proud of him. And he was absolutely thrilled when he became European (75-79 AG) Triathlon Champion in Valencia in 2021, having picked up silver and bronze medals over the years in the multisport events in Europe and the World and over all distances. Almost more important to him was his sashay to the Big Island in 2017, when he trained for and completed both the qualifying event and the Hawaii Ironman World Championship with success.
Outlasting the others, being persistent and enjoying himself were hugely important and he was a great team mate too. We competed in the ITU World Triathlon Championships with Barbara Leverett and Geoff Jones. We all know who brought the flag and organised the meeting….
Don was not averse to offering advice to those he felt might need it. I was the recipient of a trenchant comment that I credit with helping me to become a better leader as I stepped up to chair the newly formed British Triathlon Federation: ‘Be the best boss you can be and not the bossiest!’, he cautioned. He clearly recognised the genus of Spring- women …. I have never forgotten this just as I will never forget Don.
It is a tragedy to have lost Don far too soon – and for all those who knew him. It is almost unthinkable what Pat, Alan and Paul and their families must be going through right now. I know we send our deepest condolences to them all.
Most importantly, we were so lucky to have known Don, and we must remember that above all else. It will be enormously painful as we come to terms with this dreadful news and what it means. Eventually, we will be able to remember, and remember and share we should, and we should laugh as he would want us to.
In sympathy
