A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 24th at 8pm at the Jag Soundhouse.
Proceeds from the Celebration of Life will go to the creation of “The John Hutton Instrument Collection for Young Musicians” within The Katie Sullivan Instrument Library.
Please click on his picture below for the link.
John Hutton – The Katie Sullivan Instrument Library
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Hutton announces his passing on May 15, following a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPB).
John leaves behind the love of his life and devoted wife, Caron Hawco, whose partnership, adventures, and travels together were the centre of his world. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Peter Hutton (Pat Hutton); sister Louise Nugent (Alf Pike); mother-in-law, Ella Hawco, sisters-in-law Tracey Rowe (Shawn Rowe) and Dana Hawco (Bruce Chafe); along with a large circle of extended family, lifelong friends, colleagues, musicians, and mentees.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Basil and Eleanor Hutton; his sister Tessa Crosbie (Jim Crosbie); his brother Robert Hutton (Roz Dawe); and other family members and friends who remained close to his heart throughout his life.
With a career spanning more than 57 years, John Hutton was a force in Newfoundland and Labrador’s music, entertainment, and business communities.
A true municipal rockstar, John is best known as the lead guitarist and singer with the legendary band Billy and the Bruisers, a group that remains active after more than 36 years.
As a young man, John began his musical journey at the historic Charles Hutton & Son music store on Water Street in St. John’s, eventually taking ownership of the family business and building upon its legacy.
A passionate musician and performer, John played with popular bands including 12 Gauge, Foxy, and numerous project groups before relocating to Toronto in 1983 to pursue a career in international rock music. Though international rock stardom proved elusive, the experience led him into artist management and representation, including work with The Agency representing Canadian international rock artists — an experience John would later joke about with his trademark humour: “Karma is a bitch.”
In 1988, John returned home to St. John’s to reopen the family music store, earning the P.G. Gardiner Institute’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1989. After closing the store in 1998, he moved into event promotion, serving as Event Manager Coordinator at Mile One Stadium for three years before transitioning into real estate and other entrepreneurial ventures.
Always ahead of the curve, John launched Canada’s first commercial MP3 music download service.
John’s impact extended far beyond business and performance. A tireless advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador’s music industry, he was a charter member of MusicNL, serving two terms as President. He also served two terms on the board of the East Coast Music Association and two terms as a member of the National Film Board of Canada Board of Trustees.
Throughout his life, John mentored countless individuals across music, entertainment, and business, generously sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and hard-earned wisdom. He was also part of an extraordinary team of volunteers that raised more than $5 million for the Canadian Red Cross through benefit concerts and music fundraising initiatives.
John will be remembered as a gifted storyteller with a tremendous sense of humour, someone who could command a room with a perfectly timed punchline, an unforgettable story, or a laugh that immediately put people at ease. His infectious positivity, generosity of spirit, and unwavering belief in people touched countless lives, often quietly and without expectation of recognition.
More than any professional accomplishment, however, John’s greatest joy was the life he shared with Caron — the love, laughter, friendship, and adventures they experienced together.
His absence will be deeply felt and forever remembered.