Remembering Uncle Bob

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In anticipation of Veterans’ Day (tomorrow), let me share a little about a WWII veteran that I knew and loved.  He was Robert Hutchinson, but I call him Uncle Bob.

WWII Recruiting Poster

Uncle Bob was my father’s next younger brother.  The two of them ended up in the US Army Air Corps during WWII.  Dad pursued his dream to be a pilot.  Hostilities ended as he was about to enter the final phase of training.  Dream over.

Uncle Bob, trained as an aviation mechanic.  He became the crew chief on a P-47 called Pete the Pup, which was flown by the colonel who was the unit commander.

P-47

I remember the end of 1945.  Dad returned in time for Thanksgiving.  Uncle Bob was in Europe and came back home a bit later.  For a short while, Bob lived with us.  He found work as the town constable.  As the village (population about 2000) law-enforcement officer, he carried a shiny badge and a big revolver.  Five-year-old me was greatly impressed!  He stood tall and straight.  He was handsome with thick wavy hair.  He was soon married to Aunt Irene–a farmer’s daughter.

Here are some pictures of Uncle Bob from the ’40s:

Bob and Irene

Bob’s story is typical of many men from that era.  They volunteered or were drafted.  they trained and did their duty for the duration, or for as long as they were able, and then returned to home and family.  For dad, the return was to mother, sister Barbara and me.  For Uncle Bob, it was a return to his sweetheart Irene.  Marriage and children followed.

Uncle Bob’s 4th great grandfather, John Hutchinson from Vermont fought in the Revolutionary War and died at Valley Forge.  John’s grandson, Bob’s 2nd great grandfather, fought in the War of 1812 before settling in west New York near Batavia.

There have been others.  Today, I fondly remember my father’s brother.

Uncle Bob passed away in March of 1990.  Sylvia and I were living on the east coast, and I was not able to get back to Michigan for his funeral.  I do miss this great guy.

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About Chuck

I am retired after a career in electronics and in publishing. Today, my wife of 50+ years, Sylvia, and I live in a house on a hill beside a dirt road in rural west Michigan. We enjoy living in this country environment where livestock and wild life out number the human population.

9 thoughts on “Remembering Uncle Bob”

  1. Thank you so much for the loving tribute to our Dad. And for all the great photographs. Love and hugs, cousin Sarah

  2. Ryan – Yes, he was. I believe they still make a few of them out of good stuff.

    Lin – He was a great guy, and he made the uniform look good. 🙂 Aunt Irene was always very shy and quiet.

  3. Yea, Uncle Bob! He sounds like a great guy. And a snappy dresser–that uniform!! WOW!

    Irene does look a little shy there in that photo.

  4. Fantastic tribute to your uncle Bob, unfortunately they don't make em like that nowadays. A great man.foraffl

  5. Pricilla – My memories of my uncle are precious to me.

    Vanilla – Thanks. I agree. He did his duty, came home and resumed his civilian life.

    Ratty – Agree. Uncle Bob had a daughter who was also an aircraft mechanic. She has also returned to civilian life.

    Shark – They do look sharp. I agree. One of the things that strikes me in the pictures of the 40s and earlier is how thin most folks are. Especially the men.

  6. Great pix! I love the look of those long belted coats.

    The one of Bob and Irene looks just about like my half brother and wife Ethel which would have been about the same year.

    Each eras pictures look so alike.

  7. A great way to remember your uncle. I think a lot of us have a close family member who at one time served in the military. There are sad and happy memories. All the memories are fond ones.

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