Leland Glen Hutsell

March 23, 1933 – November 9, 2015

Leland Glen Hutsell “Lee” went home to be with the Lord Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, after gracing our world for 82 years. Lee was born March 23, 1933 in Casper, Wyo. He married his high school “Sweetie” Holly in 1954. Lee graduated from WSU in 1956 with a BA in Industrial Arts, then in 1963 with a Masters in Industrial Education and School Administration, and his lifelong Cougar enthusiasm was launched. With his family surrounding him, Lee watched his last WSU football game on Nov. 7, where the Cougs qualified for a bowl game.

Lee, Holly, and their son Wayne moved to Moses Lake in 1956, where Lee taught Industrial Arts at Moses Lake High School until 1966. Lee continued in education as an assistant high school principal, principal, and district administrator to complete his 30-year tenure of devoted service to the Moses Lake School District.

His passion and dedication to education instigated his membership in numerous associations that supported and enhanced student education, especially in the industrial arts. He was dedicated to many social and professional organizations, and gave of his time freely. People loved his enthusiasm, kindness, warmth, and genuineness. He was an exceedingly generous man and always willing to lend a hand. Lee will be remembered as a true gentleman who was easygoing, humble, and full of integrity and loyalty. And did we mention a lifelong Cougar fan?

Lee enjoyed hunting and fishing, more hunting and fishing, and time with family. In his later years Lee graduated from shotguns and rifles to favor an ever-handy paint gun he’d fire off his back deck to rid his lawn of the gaggle of geese that had the nerve to congregate on his manicured lawn.

As a young man he played football at WSU, and retained his love of sports through coaching high school football, basketball, and baseball, along with refereeing football. His love of sports stayed with him throughout his life.

Lee cherished his wife Holly with whom he was married for 61 years. He was the proud father of three children and their spouses: Wayne and Rebecca Hutsell, Scott (whom they lost in 2014) and Felicity Hutsell, and Matt and Lisa Mattson. Lee was the adored grandpa of Wayne and Rebecca’s children Abraham and Eli, and Matt and Lisa’s children Alexandra and Ashley. He was a treasured family member to his sisters-in-law and spouses: Neta Clement, Bob and Pat Woodley, and Ken and Jule Arlt, as well as many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Lee was a big man, with a big heart and a playful spirit. He was often referred to as the “Big Teddy Bear.” His delightful sense of humor is reflected in the time he knotted the legs of his daughter in-law Rebecca’s PJs together when he spotted them hanging from the back of the bathroom door, his shenanigans always preceded by the “twinkle” in his eyes.

Lee in his positivity, influenced and enhanced the lives of many young people. He was a nurturing friend and father figure to so many it would be impossible to list them all. Our community was blessed by his presence within it and all will miss him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, and as a tribute to his love of education, a scholarship fund for students in the “Career and Technical Education Program” has been set up at Moses Lake High School. Checks can be made payable to Moses Lake Athletic Booster Club, P.O. Box 693 Moses Lake, WA 98837. Please include on memo line: “Lee Hutsell Scholarship.”

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.