Robert Hutchinson found vocation, joy at Longacres track

Robert N. Hutchinson, who ran an advertising agency and published trucking magazines, found his true vocation as an owner of racehorses and as a partner in the old Longacres Park.

The Seattle native attended Lakeside School and Garfield High School. But he also spent much of his youth on a cattle ranch his father owned in Chatsworth, Calif.

"Education was never his long suit," said son Bart Hutchinson of London. "But he loved horses and later always owned a few racehorses. Horses were in his blood."

Known for his sportsmanship and sense of humor, Mr. Hutchinson, who had homes on Bainbridge Island and in Palm Springs, Calif., also was an avid golfer.

He belonged to Wing Point Golf and Country Club on Bainbridge Island and Seattle Golf Club, as well as O'Donnell Golf Club and Desert Island Golf Club in Palm Springs.

Mr. Hutchinson died last Monday (July 3) of complications from a fall. He was 73.

As a young adult he worked at the Western (Advertising) Agency, founded by his father, entrepreneur Brubaker Hutchinson, an early partner in Longacres.

The Western Agency, based in Seattle but serving the West Coast, became the Newport Publication Group, responsible for several trucking-industry periodicals.

Mr. Hutchinson also helped his father at the track. After his father died in 1962, he took over his father's interest as a partner. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the Washington Jockey Club until the track closed in the early 1990s.

Although he retained ownership of his businesses, he devoted much time to horses and racing.

"That was always his hobby, and he was very active in the Thoroughbred racing business in Southern California and Washington state, of course," said his son Robert Hutchinson Jr. of Seattle.

Mr. Hutchinson came to love life on the backside of the track. He liked nothing better than to head for the stables. He'd savor the sights and smells, watch horses work out, chat with trainers and ride one of the "pony" horses that lead Thoroughbreds to the post.

Mr. Hutchinson took pride in staying active and fit, said Bart Hutchinson. He observed a good diet, stretched and exercised regularly.

Aside from horses and golf, Mr. Hutchinson enjoyed travel and spending time with his family.

Other immediate survivors include his second wife, Rosemary Hutchinson, to whom he was married 13 years; his children from an earlier marriage, Melinda Bloomer of Palm Springs, James Hutchinson of Seattle, Patricia Hutchinson of Woodside, Calif., and John Hutchinson of Los Angeles; and six grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to the Braille Institute, 70251 Ramon Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com.