||| FROM ANDREW YOUNGREN |||
Tanya Leigh Hutchins July 3, 1970 – July 20, 2024
Tanya Hutchins, born and raised on Orcas Island, was tragically killed in an airplane accident just north of Juneau, Alaska, together with her partner Hans Munich.
Tanya brought joy to the lives of everyone she ever met, with her dimpled smile, cheerful disposition and generous heart. Family and friends were central to her life, she nurtured all of those relationships with every bit of her heart. She made friends easily and she kept them forever and she was the glue that held our family together.
Tanya went all through school on Orcas Island, graduating from Orcas High School in 1988 along with Hans. She worked for variety of local businesses over the years then started her own lawn care business. In each and every endeavor she brought her irresistible personality and meticulous work ethic. She was an active member of the Orcas Island Lions Club and served at it’s president. She left Orcas ion 2006 to join her partner Hans in his life and with his company, Coastal Air Service in Yakutat Alaska.
Tanya loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs and horses. She owned several horses over the years, adored and nurtured them all and loved riding with her long time “cowgirl” friends. She was never without at least one dog, they were her most loved, pampered and cherished companions.
Tanya and Hans lived a life full of adventure and travel, thus somewhat nomadic. Throughout the year they spread time between Yakutat, Lake Havasu, AZ and Anacortes. In each and every location Tanya created beautiful, comfy spaces. She loved making places feel truly her own and she planted flowers wherever she lived.
Tanya is preceded in death by her mother Judith Jones, her father David Hutchins and cousin Brent Youngren. She is survived by her sisters Anneliesa Gourley (Anacortes) and Erin Martinache (Shelton) , niece Grace Martinache and aunts, Kathy Youngren (Orcas Island) and Vicki Leigh (Anacortes), cousins Eric and Andrew Youngren, Coleen Eisworth, Cindi Beebe and Sherie Walker.
Our Tanya was beautiful in every way, she was our sunshine. We were so blessed to have her in our lives.
A memorial for Tanya and Hans will be held on Saturday, August 24, 1:00
at the Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA
Gifts given in Tanya’s memory could be sent to Orcas Island Animal Protection Society (Eastsound, Wa) or Saving Pets One At A Time (Burlington, Wa.).
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Beautifully said, Andrew. Thank you! Tanya’s legacy of kindness and community service clearly made a significant impact, and it’s evident she will be deeply missed by many. As an Orcas Lion and like Judy some years prior, she enthused community service. Sorry I won’t be here for the memorial but please know that our prayers and our heart felt condolences are with you, Kathy and your families.
I am deeply saddened to hear this about Tanya and Hans. Two young friends of the past.