John Charles Hutton
March 30, 1954 to May 15, 2026
Obituary
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.
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.
Schedule
A Celebration of Life
8:00pm, Sunday May 24th
Jag Soundhouse, 115 George Street West
Condolences to Caron and the Hawco and Hutton families. Thinking about you during this most difficult time. Bill and Cathy Mullaly
I remember John well from Hutton’s music store on Water Street many years ago. I would take the bus to Water Street, spend my allowance on sheet music and then cross the street and get back on a bus. Once I got home, I had to go straight to my piano and play the sheet music.
John and his Dad were always so kind to me.
May johns gentle soul now rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear of John’s recent passing. Back in the early 1980’s, John was very good to our band, The Brats, by letting us have a main sound system and pay it off “when you can”. He was naturally very surprised when we did pay it off nine months later which allowed us to make a little money doing what we were doing instead of having to rent gear. That was John. Generous, kind, supportive, funny, and truly super talented. Thank you for that John. Godspeed.
Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. John was an extraordinary man with a larger than life persona. So glad we had the pleasure to know the funky and funny guy and call you both friends. Our thoughts are with you Caron.
Caron, I am heartbroken for your loss. I didn’t know John very well but he was so friendly whenever we did meet. I know he will leave a large hole in yours and many other people’s lives. My deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Barb
So sorry for your loss.
Hard to believe a light like John’s could be dimmed, it certainly won’t be in our memories. Mine goes back to ~1982 when we shot the “telephone” video for the Janeway telethon. Many evenings at The Strand and other bars listening to 12 Gauge. RIP.
To Caron and all of John’s family, please accept my deepest condolences. I hadn’t seen John for a number of years and was incredibly shocked to hear of his passing. For me and my brothers, John was a real trailblazer in the provincial music scene, and he and the groups he formed stood as a gold standard for every up and coming musician/band. As teenagers, our band Gemini actually formed over our ability to cover ‘Telephone’, and since that time, he was encouraging, supportive, and his opinion always mattered. May his memory be a blessing to all!
To John’s family friends bandmates & fans, our sincere condolences on losing an incredibly talented well loved honorable man who left us way too soon. John and I have known each other since our St. Bon’s days. His Dad and mine were great friends for decades both being owners and operators of our friendly family music stores on Water St. Hutton’s and O’Brien’s.. John was a special man, a generous friend to everyone, blessed with a great sense of humor kindness and generosity that knew no bounds. He has left an indelible mark on our local music industry and will be sadly missed. Love from the O’Brien clan Gordie Rhonda Michael & Angela
To Caron , Peter and Pat
John’s kindness affected generations . My mother was a music teacher who taught at his studio and both she and my sister Lise worked there summers. The stories oh the stories but there wasn’t one day they didn’t recount of how kind he was to someone less fortunate.
He was always the first choice as a real estate agent for our family because first and foremost there was a bond of trust and you could be assured of an outrageous yet special experience every time.
John when you are reading this ” What was it you whispered in Wanda’s ear every time you gave her a hug ?” ; never mind I don’t want to know lol !
Our most sincere condolences
Wanda and Steve
.
I knew John from working for Reardon’s many years ago. It is only after that I learned of his musical accomplishments. He was a brilliant light of a human but also humble. He brought a smile to everyone he spoke to. A huge loss to all who knew him. Sincere condolences to the family.
To Caron, Louise, Peter and all the Hutton and Hawco family,
Sending sincere condolences at this sad time on the loss of John. My thoughts and sympathy is with you all.
Sincerely, Anna (Gough) Power
John had that rare gift of brightening the day, a master raconteur and downright hilarious. Thanks for the laughter, John!
To Caron, Louise, Peter & families
My sincere condolences on John’s passing. Fond memories back to when we were very young, Summer nights, when John would practice with his six and twelve string guitars on the front veranda of their family house in Topsail.
To Caron and all family members,
My heart felt condolences to you all on the passing of John . I can’t say that I knew John really well but going to a few Billy and the Bruises shows and me working in retail I had the pleasure of chatting with John on many occasions . He made me feel like I knew him a long while … he was a salt of the earth kind of guy . He was a real cool dude .
Keeping John and all of you in my prayers .
Take care and God bless
Greg Hagerty
Deepest condolences to John’s family especially his beloved Caron and all who knew and loved this incredible force fly high my friend
The Hutton Family
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He certainly leaves a lifelong legacy to the Newfoundland Music Industry. We have fond memories of nights with both Foxy and Billy and the Bruisers. Deppest condolences to your families. We have lost a good one here.
Condolences to Caron and all the family.
John loved music and life..
Annette and Michael Boyle.
John was very supportive of my music career & I simply loved his company. I will miss him & his razor-sharp wit. Sending my love to his family, bandmates, and many, many friends.
Say hello to the Snowman for me, John.
Love,
Mick
My deepest condolences to Caron and family. John was
one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. He always had the time to answer any and all questions that I asked .
We both lived on Victoria St. I had always wanted to sing. I had no confidence nor any idea that I could sing.
Anyway, knocked on John’s door and asked if he had a few minutes to spare. He did.
I explained why I was knocking on his door.
I wanted to know if had a voice. Come in by says he.
So he played an Eagles song I sang, he stopped .
He lay the guitar down and said… yes you can sing.!
That was John Hutton.
Rest easy.
To the family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I knew John as a young girl going to Huttons Music store and in later years he encouraged me to join the MNL Board. He was instrumental in helping young musicians in our province. He will truly be missed.
Maxine Stanley
Sincerest condolences. He was a gift to us all.
Sincere sympathies to all the families on John’s passing.
I’ve known John for decades, and what a great, charming, and wonderfull man indeed.
Please accept deepest condolences.
Play some more Santana for us all again!
Rest in everlasting peace,
Joe.
Caron, family and Friends. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have wonderful memories of working with both of you when we opened up Mile One Stadium 25 years ago and many other projects after that. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace!
Peter, Pat, and families,
So sorry to hear about John’s passing.
Thinking about you during this very difficult time.
May the great memories help to ease your pain as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Sincere condolences,
Linda Coles and Ches Keats
Peter, Pat, and family,
our sincere sympathies to you and family on the passing of John.
May good memories bring peace.
Mike & Jennette
My sincere sympathies to John’s nearest and dearest, and I commiserate with the legions of those who loved him. We were contemporaries, our Fathers were business associates and friends and as a result, I knew the Store on Water Street well. Kazoos, Jews Harps and drum sticks were purchased with pocket money and later Mr.. Squires put a sound post in my Great-Grandfather’s Violin. John remembered it all in our last conversation when he was doing an Open House for prospective buyers.. A significant legacy, both he himself and his family. RIP
Such a lovely talented funny man. First saw him play at the Strand a million years ago.
Sorely missed. My best to family and friends.
TR
Caron and family,
I was so sorry to hear that John had passed. He was a true Newfoundland musician who cared deeply about the music of this province. Personally, I know that you will miss him terribly and nobody can fix that. He’ll always be in your heart. Thinking of you and sending you hugs.
Mary-Lu Stenhouse (Hurley)
Caron, Peter, Pat and all of John’s family. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one.
Caron and family. He was a force of nature that always left an indelible mark upon every encounter. The both of you were breaths of fresh air every time we’d run into each other. He was kind, smart, talented and as saucy as they came with that ever bright twinkle in his eye. He will be missed and fondly remembered and if ever asked to illustrate what joy is we will reference you both together having a laugh. God speed John.
John was a great guy in every way. His musical talents were only eclipsed by his genuinely nice and kind nature. We have never heard a negative word from our about him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, many friends and the masses of aspiring musicians he generously helped along their way. God bless you John. You made a difference and will be well remembered.
Caron, Louise and Peter, sorry for your tremendous loss. Thinking of John brings memories of a wonderful life lived in this place he so dearly loved. Rest in peace, old friend.
Please accept my condolences to all John’s family. I met John through his involvement with the Music Industry Association. Over the years we would see one another at the Duke and John always had a smile and kind word. I will certainly miss seeing him and hearing him play in the downtown St. John’s scene.
I met John when we were both teenagers at the Water St. store.. I spent hours looking at sheet music and drooling over guitars and amp. He was a great guy. One time I was trying to get a 12 String guitar and was short on cash. He sold me a lovely Framus 12’string for a really good price because he said there was a “small flaw in the finish”. I never found that flaw in over 40 years.
Rest in peace
John truly was an incredible guy. His love for his friends and family, especially Caron put a constant smile on his face. His enthusiasm to help others and brighten their day was a trait to be admired. He always had your back. Gone way too soon and will be missed terribly. 🥲
John (like the rest of his siblings) was/is such a likeable person. We never left without a laugh as we both loved to share a joke. Ride high bud and, if you have the time up there, form another group. Many of those who are up there were goodie goodies down here and they need a spark to have a real laugh. Go to it!
Make sure you take a little time tho to rest now and then….
John Flood
To John’s family and loved ones, please accept my condolences. Although I have been away from Newfoundland for over 25 years, every time I came home and got to see John, it felt like I haven’t been away for a day. His friendship and genuine soul made all that knew him feel special. And to him, I believe we all were. That’s what I will keep close in my heart when I remember him. I loved John for exactly who he was, and he has forever changed my life for the better. All of us share in the sorrow of his passing, so in that way, we are all joined together by the life he lived. Imagine, that is the lasting impact this man had.
Caron I am so so sorry for your great loss. May John RIP
So sorry to hear of John’s passing , he was such an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known him , He was always so encouraging and supportive to his fellow musicians and a true trailblazer in his craft , my deepest condolences go out to his wife , family and friends RIP John
John you have left us your legacy
Godspeed to your reward!!
I don’t recall when I first met John, but it was many years ago, perhaps at his father’s store, perhaps through a mutual friend. Although we never spent long periods of time together, whenever we met his face brightened and he called me “Brother!” I recall fondly our last encounter at a B & the B concert in Brigus. I was seated at a table, during a break he came over, hopped onto my lap, hugged me and gave me a big kiss on the cheek! Such was John Hutton’s infectious humor! I then had some explaining to do to my wife, Lorraine, who didn’t understand such brotherly humor!
Fly high with the angels, my friend, and keep the tunes going till we meet again somewhere up there!
John, you were so good to all of us. Never forgotten.
Also, c’mere I got a joke to tell ya
Stephen and I send our heartfelt condolences to Caron and all who were blessed to know and love him. There will never be another man like him. Kind, compassionate, loving, and incredibly generous, full of talent which he openly shared with everyone he met. We will miss him. ❤️ Stephen and Debbie Ryan.
I was saddened to hear of John’s passing this week. My sincere condolences to John’s family and the entire Hutton family. John’s personality was larger than life, and he will be missed. Rest easy, John Ill catch you on the other side.
Condolences to Caron and John’s Family . Like many I have many fond memories of John and his fun loving ways.
Sincere condolences to John’s family on his passing. A great guy & gentleman..RIP
Sincere condolences Caron, Louise, Peter and all family members and friends of this truly remarkable man. John was a joy to know and be with. He will be missed.
Larry Kelly and Karl Wells
Caron, so saddened to hear of John’s passing. He lived life to the fullest and his warm, funny, outgoing personality and talent we will treasure forever. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you and John’s family and friends at this time.
John was a great person in many ways, I have many memories of him growing up in Topsail and seeing him around many venues playing music. Rest easy my friend.
A gift to our Province for all of the years he performed and lead the music industry. He once told me he wanted to move to Spain and enjoy retirement, music and better weather. I said he couldn’t go because we would miss him too much. Hope you found the ultimate retirement location John.
Caron. Our Deepest and Sincere Condolences to you, our Prayers and Thoughts are with you all. ❤🙏
Rest in Peace my Friend.
So many years of Pat O’Callaghan and I dancing the night away to Billy and the Bruisers.
So many years of Belles with Balls’ fundraisers heaving to “Dance with the music”.
So many years of bumping into John and having a laugh.
Heartfelt Condolences to Caron and all the Huttons on the loss of a true Light.
Paula
I’m sorry about mr Hutton
So saddened by such a wonderful person and friend leaving this world too soon. Over 50 years ago we met and it’ was noting but a pleasure to know you all these years. Over the last 25 years you became a great supporter of our business and I always knew when Fred or the kids said they we were talking to Hutton today that there was definitely a fun story or joke ( maybe even an insult) coming right along.. John you will be missed dearly by the our family and anyone that was fortunate enough to met you. To Caron and all of John’s family we offer our sincere condolences. Sorry to say we are out of town and will miss the Celebration of Life. Rest easy Hutton.
When someone larger than life leaves us, we try and use the love, laughter and memories to fill the hole in our lives. I know that there are countless people that John touched that are contributing to this impossible task.
Caron, please take care. I am having a good thought for you.
David
This song was played to my brother and me in the Caribbean when our dad, whom John knew., passed away. It’s not rock ’n’ roll, but it seems more than fitting for the wonderful man John was.
https://youtu.be/F727iU7jPOE?si=iItP03A9wq4Ii7qT
My sincere condolences to Caron, John’s family, many bandmates, and all those who knew and loved him.
Hi. Mary Byrne Jamieson here. Widow of Roger Jamieson. He would be heart broken to hear of this news so I will send condolences on his behalf.
To Caron, Hutton Family & Bandmates,
Very sad to hear John will not be physically walking with us anymore, however he will forever be carried with us in our hearts. We must carry his shinning Light forward. Our individual experiences with him were unique and they ignited greatness in each of us. We are All Blessed & our Lives have been enriched by John’s presence. Sending love and sincere condolences . Flora
To Caron and the Hutton family,
I did not know John well but his warmth always made me feel like I did. He was one of those truly rare people who made you feel comfortable in his company. Always engaging and interested in what you had to say. There was that spark in his eyes and you knew a good laugh was just around the corner.
He was a lovely man and he will be missed by so many people. It seems that everyone loved him!
I was so saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Lynn Burry
Sincere condolences to all family and the world-wide abundance of friends, of JOHN;I’ve met John many many years ago when he started his career in Real ESTATE-And we happily ‘SPLIT a few deals’;He was most always wanting a ‘quick closing date’ So the deals never fell apart. He worried till pens put to paper;Closing the deal;That was his “HAPPY TIME”;OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS-GOD BLESS; Jim Campbell(ex RCAF RETIRED)-Retired Real ESTATE BROKER-OWNER, after 62 years in ST. John’s)-WIFE NELIA Campbell ST. John’s NFLD-(NEVER A 51st state-NEVER)
John Hutton was my Guitar Hero!
I spent many happy hours ROCKING and dancing to his AWESOME MUSIC.
A kind gentleman, and lead guitarist for the BEST BAND IN NEWFOUNDLAND!!
Love you man.
Party Paddy Daly
Dear Caron. I am so sorry for your loss. It was always to see you together. Love to you.
Caron and the hutton family, deepest condolences on the passing of john. May all the memories of the good times help you all through this time of sorrow
Such a beautiful tribute to a very special person whose presence was far reaching. Rest in peace John.🌹🌹
My Thoughts are with Caron and family at this difficult time.
John was so supportive of me as a local songwriter/composer. I will miss our chats and his enthusiasm for new music i was working on. So glad he played a guitar solo on one of my albums a few years back….it was a thrill for me!!
Such a positive influence for so many of us.
Will be dearly missed.
At a loss for words, No one will be able to fill his shoes. Always a smile when I’d run into John, although not a close personal friend, he made you feel like you were. My condolences to his wife, his family and friends and Band Mates. Turn up the speakers John so we can all hear you rocking out.
Caron so sorry to hear about the passing of John. Sending love, strength, and support your way during this heartbreaking time. 🫂🥰
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was always a breath of sunshine to all who knew him.
To John’s family and all who loved him, my heart is saddened. My late husband, Deryck’s, association with Hutton’s Music goes back more than 60 years, my own since 1972 when I started tagging along with Deryck on his routine Saturday morning visits to the stores on Water St. and Duckworth St. to talk all things music with Basil and then with John when he joined the business. Later our girls made it a foursome on Saturday mornings. John’s broad smile welcomed us each time. Sometimes we made a purchase but that wasn’t important to Basil and John. Their relationship with us was. It was from listening to Deryck’s and John’s discussions and debates that I learned who the best guitar makers were, the best types, the best players – in their opinions! The autoharp we purchased from Hutton’s in 1977 has brought many joyful moments in our home but it is our association with them that leaves us with cherished memories. What a legacy John has left, an incredible life’s journey! I’m sorry he is gone. I extend sincerest condolences to Caron and to John’s large circle of family and friends. Linda Harnett
We say fare thee well to John as he sets out on his new journey. What a life!
To Caron and all family members and friends, Nancy and I send you our deepest condolences on this tremendous loss. After 31 years of playing together with John in Billy and the Bruisers, I have so many fond and funny memories. May your own memories of your life together – one that was so rich in happiness and love – be a blessing.
To Caron and all the rest of John’s family, please accept Ofra’s and my deepest condolences on the loss this amazing man. We are so fortunate for the time we had to share with John and Caron over the past few years and we carry you in our hearts always.
Caron and all the family and his Bruisers family so sorry for your loss. John will be missed by many, always a smile and a story a life truly well lived
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Hutton clan, especially Caron, Peter and our dear friend and neighbour Louise. As we are out of the country, Margaret and I regret that we cannot attend the planned celebration of life for John but will be there in spirit and thinking of you all .
Chris and Margaret O’Dea
Our deepest condolences to Caron and all of the family. His presence will be missed but he leaves behind a magnificent influence.