"I new Mike for past 15 years during NACD meetings every year in San Antonio. Mike was very kind, compassionate and warm human being. Will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to Claudia and family Sam Joshi "
In loving memory of
Michael S Hutto
February 21, 1948 - November 30, 2020
The world lost a good one this week...way too soon. Michael Stuart Hutto, known by his many friends and colleagues as "Hutto," and by his kids and grandkids as Dad, Poppa, and Grandpa Mike, passed away suddenly in his Ft. Myers, FL home on the morning of November 30, 2020 at the age of 72. Mike is survived by his wife and best friend Claudia; sons Brad, Jeff, and Glenn (Lauren); daughter Lisa; grandchildren Carson, Avery, Gannon, Scarlett, Cross, Nikki, Brittany, David, Louise, and Finley and great granddaughter, Sophia. He joins his grandson Windsor who preceded him into eternity.
Mike was born in Royal Oak, Michigan on February 21, 1948, to father, Homer, and mother, Eileen, and was younger brother to his sister, Margaret. He attended Michigan State University as a proud Spartan and started his long, successful career in the chemical industry in the 1970s, which continued to his passing. Mike was an institution in the chemical business and was known and respected by many. His ability to take almost any chemical name and tell you what it was used for, where it comes from, and how to sell it was uncanny. He was a big reason for the successes at Nolwood Chemical, PVS Chemicals, Omni-chem, and his own company, Moon & Hutto Chemical, which he ran for 17 years. Mike's work ethic was incomparable and he was described by his colleagues as reliable, trustworthy, smart, honest, dependable, and mostly proud.
While Mike was proud of his work, his face lit up when he talked about his boys. Of all his achievements, Brad, Jeff, and Glenn were what he was most proud of and would tell anyone who would listen. He was known for his speeches and toasts to them; weddings, graduations, birthdays, or anytime 3 or more people would listen. As children, he enjoyed spending time with his boys as much as possible; golfing, bowling, attending their many various sports and activities, or sneaking them into a drive-in theater to save a buck. Into adulthood, he was always there to listen, to give advice and to remind his boys that they were smart, deserved good things, and that he was proud of them. If he was ever on a business trip within 2 (or sometimes 12) hours, he would drive out of his way to have dinner with one of his sons.
Mike married his wife and best friend, Claudia, in 1981 and they were the perfect team for 39 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling, good food, good wine (Amarone) and just being side by side. Claudia was and is his #1 and he would do anything for her, her daughter, Lisa, and Lisa's kids who he looked at like his own. Lisa and her kids were also another huge source of pride for Mike, again telling whomever would listen their stories and antics. Mike never felt he was a "step" father and took his role of Lisa's protector and the kids' Poppa very seriously.
Mike was brought into the Christian faith as an infant and that faith remained with him throughout his life. He was active at Good Shepherd Lutheran throughout his youth where he became active in their choir. His passion for singing continued through his life, as a member of the Madrigals Choir at Dondero HS, and at Holy Spirit Lutheran in Bloomfield HIlls where he and Claudia were members for many years. Their pastor at that time, Jack Freed, has remained a lifetime friend. It is his faith in God that helped Mike through the tragic loss of his 10th grandchild, Windsor, and it is his faith that shaped his work ethic, honesty and the way he treated people.
Mike had many passions, but his work with You Be The Chemist (and maybe golf and The Beatles) would probably rank highest. Mike's drive for building an organization that would bring chemistry to a new generation and especially under privileged students was the same he had for his business, career, and family. He was never boastful about what he was doing for the kids who participated, or the meetings he had with many Governors, politicians, and even a President but always talked about their successes and accomplishments. Mike always put everybody else first. He was the guy behind the scenes lifting everybody else up. He didn't need the praise or the glory. He wanted to see everybody else succeed. While he's not with us in this life anymore, we should all feel better knowing he's got our back and cheering us on from afar.
A socially distanced, mask required viewing will be held at Verheyden Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on Thursday, December 10 from 12 noon until 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in Mike's name at Chemed which runs the You Be The Chemist program, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E350128&id=2 , and HAVEN Pontiac Women's Shelter, https://www.haven-oakland.org/donate , which was another organization he had great support for.
Tributes
"Mike helped me so much at PVS. I will always remember the positive impact he made on me. He was so kind to me and my family, and unselfishly tried to help me. His work ethic was unmatched! Such a true gentleman. I will never forget him. My condolences to Claudia and his family. Sincerely. Britt Frick & Family. "
"Mike touched so many people with his kindness. Praying that you?ll find comfort in your memories of him and in the knowledge that others are missing him, too. My sincere condolences. Stay strong and know caring thoughts and prayers go out to you. My deepest sympathy, Liz Davies"
"I knew Mike from Marios ,,, What a gentleman,,,, he always brightened our day .. I am so sorry for your loss . Dale Epton "
"Such a great friend, will deeply be missed. Loved being with them in Florida they treated me like family. Will deeply be missed at our card games. "
"Mike Hutto , ?Hutto?, simply a ? class act? ! We are better people today to have had the privilege of his friendship! He will be missed . With a heavy heart. , our heartfelt condolences to his bride ,Claudia, and entire beautiful family. Love to all. Nancy and Bob Zee. "
"My condolences Hutto family. i met Mike through my work at PVS and through his friendship with my dad, Ray. Such a nice and generous soul. My sincere condolences for your loss- Karen Wiebelhaus"
"While we are never prepared to lose a loved one, rest assured that he will live on in your cherished memories. Our love and deepest sympathy to you Glenn, and your entire family. Bob and Dottie Mixa"
"I thanked Mike Hutto every chance I could for getting me my job at PVS. I have so many great memories with Mike through the years, for which I can't thank him enough. "Thank you Mike Hutto, for my getting me this job at PVS" and so much more. Miss you, Roomie! "
"Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your family. Mike and Claudia are good friends of my parents and I?ve known them all of my life. Together they did so much for our family and were always there to help and support. Mikes laugh and stories are what we will miss the most. Rest In Peace. "
"Glenn, Brad and Jeff- our heartfelt condolences to everyone during this time. I will always remember our rounds of golf and our annual boat days on the lake! Rest easy, C-Hut"
"Mike was one of the nicest people I knew at PVS Chemicals. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. "
"This is tough one. Mike was the only guy, in this world, who hired me twice (NolWood, Interstate). He has everything to do with whatever success I have achieved in the chemical business. We just had lunch 2 weeks and, as always, he was upbeat, anxious to get to Florida and wondering what the future would bring. He will be missed..."