Saturday will mark one year since David Hutchinson lost his eldest daughter to brain cancer.
Beth, 20, passed away on Oct. 25, 2013 after battling the deadly disease for four years.
In that time, both worked to raise awareness on issues related to cancer – including medicinal marijuana – and shared Beth’s inspiring story.
Despite her passing, Hutchinson has continued to share his daughter’s story, and with the help of Coast Capital Savings, generations to come will know who Beth was.
This spring, Coast Capital approached Hutchinson about naming a scholarship for Beth, who was a recipient of the Coast Capital Standing Tall Award in 2012.
Beth used the award to attend post-secondary at UBC. However, she was forced to give up her studies as her cancer progressed.
The newly named Beth Hutchinson Standing Tall Award will now help other students in need, while doubling as a fitting legacy for Beth, Hutchinson said.
“It’s a nice way for Beth to be remembered. Beth cared about education, she cared about literacy, she cared about a lot of things,” Hutchinson told Peace Arch News.
Hutchinson worked with the committee that would select the student, and on Oct. 2 was able to meet Maple Ridge’s Emily King, who was the first to receive his daughter’s namesake.
“She’s a lovely young woman. She is the same age as Beth was, and her manner, demeanor and even her look, there was something about her that reminded me of Beth. It was quite emotional to see.
“It’s incredible for me because Saturday will be a year since her passing. I think about her a lot.”