Momentous events were happening in the theatres of war when Gary Hutchinson was born on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1944. Naturally unaware of the significance of his birth date it perhaps signalled the man that Gary would become.
In reflecting on Gary’s life journey more than a year after his death, his brother, Graham, talked of his determination, drive and work ethic.
Graham says his brother’s motto was a neat fit with the Frank Sinatra song: ‘I did it my way’.
Gary attended West Ipswich and Blair State Schools, but when the family moved to a farming property at Kalbar, he began picking potatoes.
“Gary became one of the most sought-after young men in the industry,” Graham said.
“As each season approached, the growers would ring and ask if he was available to pick for them.”
By the time Gary was 16, he had saved enough money to purchase a 1928 Chevrolet 4 Utility in order to travel to and from work.
Yet, even when potato season ended, he continued to find work and helped other farmers around the district including travelling to Laidley to work on their uncle’s property.
“He was always extremely busy.”
But his real interest was car detailing and his Chevrolet became his pride and joy.
“Even then he had a desire to fit any accessories he could,” Graham said.
“This continued with the many cars he had during his lifetime.”
Gary returned to Ipswich when the family farm was sold and purchased a milk delivery business. As the ‘milk run’ was done at night, Gary found he had time on his hands during the day and began detailing cars for Don Faulkner Motors.
Although juggling two jobs and finding little time for travel, in 1963, Gary purchased his Vanguard 6 Utility which not only became his new pride and joy but also his milk truck. In time he would become the City’s longest serving milkman.
Ipswich was also where Gary met his future wife, Joy Wheeler and when they were married they moved into the home where they would spend the rest of their life together.
Just as deregulation heralded the end of many dairy farms, it also signalled the end of the milk run industry.
Gary sought an alternative business and took up an opportunity to purchase land and build a workshop and storage facility in Cooney Street.
“It was where he began operating his own car detailing business where he felt at home working day in and day out,” Graham said.
“Even weekends and late nights, he would still be working, finishing off somebody’s job.
“Cars, trucks, motorbikes, horse floats, police vehicles, council cars and just about anything on wheels passed through his shed over many years.
“His major problem was, he found it difficult to say no to anybody.
“Gary was never interested in retiring.
“All he wanted to do was keep working and have a yarn to the many friends who called in.”
Gary passed away on October 15, 2019.
