Scott Hutchinson, a retired president, chairman and chief executive officer of Key Bank of Southern Maine who also served as treasurer for numerous political campaigns in Maine, died Saturday after a brief illness. He was 85.

Mr. Hutchinson began his banking career in 1955 at Canal National Bank of Maine. For the next 20 years, he rose through the ranks and built a strong reputation in Portland’s business community. By 1975, he was named president and chief executive officer at Canal Bank. According to Mr. Hutchinson’s obituary, which is expected to be published Wednesday, he was named president, chairman and CEO of Key Bank of Southern Maine as well as president, chairman and CEO of Key Trust Co. of Maine. He retired in 1989. Three years later, he returned to Key Bank as a senior adviser and board member.

He was remembered by his family Monday as a dedicated, loyal and hardworking Mainer who cared deeply about the community. His daughter Leigh Hutchinson of Milton, Massachusetts, recalled the story of a young business owner who operated a clam shack and went to her father seeking a loan to build a hotel. He approved the loan. The family who built the hotel went on to transform the hotel industry.

“He loved the idea of meeting with people and hearing their stories and being able to support them,” his daughter said. “The decisions he made (were) to foster growth and support the Portland community.”

Mr. Hutchinson, a longtime resident of Cumberland Foreside, supported dozens of charitable causes throughout the Portland area. Some of those organizations include the Susan Curtis Foundation, the Pine Tree Council Boy Scouts of America, the Nature Conservatory of Maine and Greater Portland United Way. He was also involved with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Junior Achievement and the Small Business Administration’s Advisory Committee.

“They were all personal connections,” his daughter said, referring to the long list of her father’s community interests. “He would meet people and want to help them achieve their financial goals.”

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Mr. Hutchinson was well-known in political circles in Maine. He served as treasurer for numerous political campaigns, including those of Gov. Kenneth Curtis, Sen. Edmund Muskie and Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. He also served as an honorary co-chairman, with Merton Henry, of Sen. Susan Collins’ campaigns in 2002, 2008 and this year.

“Scott was a wonderful, unpretentious man with a delightful sense of humor and zest for life,” Collins said in a prepared statement. “He was a true leader in the business community through his long and successful career in banking and in his support of so many worthwhile community organizations. I shall miss his wise counsel and warm friendship. My heart goes out to his wife, Audrey, and their four daughters and their families.”

Mr. Hutchinson and his wife lived in Cumberland Foreside, where they raised four children. He was remembered Monday as a man who loved his family and entertaining friends. His daughter said he enjoyed hosting game dinners that featured moose, venison, pheasant and squirrel.

“We thought it was the most disgusting menu, but he liked to have fun with it,” his daughter said. “He loved to do things for people. He would go the extra mile.”

Outside work, Mr. Hutchinson had a passion for lobstering. He lobstered for about 30 years, and was known for sharing his catch with other boaters and local churches.

He was also known to tap trees for maple syrup for guests. His daughter also recalled mornings on the Fourth of July. She said he would climb on their roof at 6:30 a.m. with a record player and speakers and play John Philip Sousa, known for patriotic marches such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“All of the neighbors would wake up and come over for breakfast. He was very patriotic,” she said.

 


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