Brian Craig Hutchinson

Brian Craig Hutchinson passed away on May 24th, 2016 peacefully and surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with cancer. Brian was born in Riverside, Ca to “Hutch” & Marylou Hutchinson. The family moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in 1956 where Brian and his three siblings; Chuck, Carla and Scott, attended SY Elementary and SYVUHS. As a young boy, Brian enjoyed camping, fishing and playing baseball. At 16 years old, Brian started the first student store at SYVUHS. This is where his love for entrepreneurship began, leading him to partner with his parents in the candle making business. After achieving a business degree from Allan Hancock College, Brian started one of the first the t-shirt stores in California, The Shirt Gallery, while simultaneously co-founding the Beer Garden. In 1980, Brian married Tammy Yuhas and had two daughters he doted upon: Jesslyn and Laura. He continued growing his businesses and added The Straw Shop, Mad Hatter and a cutting and coring business to his list of entrepreneurial endeavors. Brian was fondly known for his happy-go-lucky, humorous and lovable personality. On May 3rd, 2016, Brian remarried longtime partner, Ruth Cooper, whom he enjoyed the past 22 years with. Brian is survived by his wife, mother, siblings, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. His service will be held at Bethania Lutheran Church on June 12th, 2016 at 11:30am. Reception to follow at Hans Christian Andersen Park. We welcome all to join us as we share stories and celebrate Brian’s life!