Alan Walker Hutchinson

Alan Walker Hutchinson was born on April 24, 1955, in Golden, CO. He passed away July 17, 2026, in Sheridan, WY, while doing what he loved most, playing music.

Alan was the son of Clay and Margret “Maggie” Hutchinson. He spent his formative years in Colorado while also having the opportunity to spend a year in Holland as a foreign exchange student. After graduating high school, Alan attended both Greely and UNLV to study music performance with his main instrument, the tenor saxophone, while exploring the rich traditions of hard bop, modal jazz, and other cornerstone jazz styles. He decided to pursue that passion professionally and hit the road, touring all over the US as part of the Tom Slick show, a 50s-inspired do-wop group, and the Tel Rays, a neo-rockabilly band who toured with Cheap Trick, the Romantics, and Willy DeVille. Alan also performed with the rock n’ roll legend Chuck Berry. Anyone who has had the privilege of seeing him perform knows the life and energy he brought to the stage. This is something he carried throughout his life playing most recently in the Sheridan community.

Alan’s lifelong curiosity eventually led him to archaeology, where he found another passion exploring the history of the American West and helping preserve its cultural heritage. In the early 90s, Alan enrolled at the University of Montana to study archaeology. After graduating in 1995, he was employed by SWCA Environmental Consultants. That work took him to Salt Lake City and eventually Sheridan, WY, where he stayed for the last 21 years before retiring last December.

During the mid-80s, Alan was married in Colorado and was blessed with two children, a son and daughter. While in Missoula, MT, he met Terri (Tooners) Plumage while playing a gig at Duelin’ Dalton’s. They started a family together, having two daughters, and were married in ‘05.

In addition to archaeology, Alan’s passions included sports (especially the Denver Broncos), golfing, skiing, creative writing, fishing, and hiking.

He is survived by his wife, Terri, and his four children, Matthew, Andrea, Amanda, and Holly along with his grandson, Ledger. He is preceded by his parents, brother Mark, and Aunt Ruth.

It seems fitting that Alan spent his final evening sharing the gift that defined his life. Though his music has faded from the stage, its echo will live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known him. As he always said, “Music is a moment and then it’s gone.”

A Celebration of Life will be held outdoors on Thursday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Church, 4351 Big Horn Ave, Sheridan, WY, 82801. Family, friends, and all whose lives Alan touched are warmly invited to attend.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.