Lee Allen Hutchinson

Lee Allen Hutchinson

April 2, 1959 – October 2, 2021

Lee Allen Hutchinson passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of October 2, 2021, with his wife Patti sleeping in the chair next to him. Lee was a fighter, but he lost the battle and he decided to ride off into the sunset, leaving behind those he loved with a joke and his crooked smile.

A burial ceremony is scheduled for  Saturday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Lovell Cemetery. A celebration of life will be scheduled for summer 2022.

Lee was born in Glendive, Montana, to Bonnie and Glenn Hutchinson on April 2, 1959. He grew up on a ranch in Wibaux County and attended school there until his last quarter of high school, when he and his brother moved to Cody to graduate and rodeo.

Lee married the love of his life and girl next door by Montana standards, Patti Smith from Trotters, North Dakota, in 1987. They made their home in Lovell, where Patti taught school and Lee worked in the oil industry for more than 40 years. Most of that time was with Nabors, where he traveled the country managing rigs.

Lee was the father of two children, Cassie and Kris, who were the greatest gifts of his life along with his two grandchildren, Hazel and Reid, and his special niece Alexis Grasdock. 

Lee was a man of easy words, simple dreams, quick wit and hands willing to help. Lee can be described in one strong and powerful word: devoted. Lee showed tremendous devotion to his family and work all the time. One time without hesitation Lee flew to the east coast to help his son secretly drive back home to surprise Patti.

Lee was very understanding to others’ needs. He knew that being upstairs and making noise was very distracting to his daughter, who was in nursing school. Without being asked, Lee spent several evenings in the basement to let her study in quiet. Lee loved his wife Patti like no other. Lee knew everything about her down to the size she wore because he was always getting her special things when he traveled.

Although Lee spent a lot of time on the road for work, he always made sure he attended as many of Cassie and Kris’ activities as possible and was always willing to help a neighbor or a stranger on the road.

The two newest members of Lee’s family are his grandchildren Hazel and Reid. Again, Lee without hesitation showed his love for his grandchildren without a second thought. When Hazel was in the NICU at the start of her young life, Lee was there often and was one of the first people that got her to eat a full bottle. When Lee would come to Billings for his chemo or anything, Lee would let Cassie know so he could see Reid.

Lee was an avid team roper and always rode a good horse, which he trained. He won many prizes, but his most-cherished buckle was the Cheyenne Big Daddy Heeler, which he won in 2004.

Lee was preceded in death by his father Glenn Hutchinson, mother Bonnie Hutchinson, brother JD Hutchinson and two sisters, Connie Hutchinson and Linda Hutchinson.  

Lee is survived by his wife Patti Hutchinson, his son Kris Hutchinson and his family, his daughter Cassandra Matkin and her family, his sisters Darlene Grasdock and her family, Beverly Hutchinson and his nephew Tyler Hutchinson.

Our hearts are broken that Lee left us so young. Lee will be missed greatly, but if you want to catch a glimpse of him, look for the crooked grin he gifted to both of his kids and grandkids.