Kenneth Keith Hutton Jr.

 Born in Albuquerque, NM, Ken was the beloved son of Shirley Jean Van Devender and Kenneth Keith Hutton. He went to elementary school, built snow forts and camped at trout-filled streams while his father was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After surviving the world’s second-largest earthquake, the family moved to Roswell, NM (“like moving from heaven to hell in an un-air-conditioned Corvair”) where he attended middle and high school, playing football, baseball and tennis. A long-haired 70’s kid, he left Roswell at age 16 on his motorcycle bound for college. A few years into pharmacy classes, he figured out he was supposed to “study” the drugs. 

Ken graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in business and began his career at Plateau Inc., in Albuquerque where he was introduced to trading and the oil and gas industry. Recognizing Ken’s talents, his boss encouraged him to go to Houston, TX. He quickly took to the trading business and became a successful refined products trader specializing in gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. He became well-known and highly regarded in the industry working in Atlanta, Boston and New York-- finishing his successful career at TCT in Houston. He moved back to New Mexico when he retired in his 40s. He kept close relationships with many college and professional friends all his remaining years.

Everyone who met Ken remembered him. His large stature, massive white smile, bold polo shirts and spikey blonde hair made quite an impression. He filled a room with his confidence, larger-than-life persona, and warm energy. He drew people close with his engaging story-telling and loved to make people laugh. He was also a fun-loving joker. One of his favorites was to ask the cashier if it was ok to use the credit card he’d stolen. He loved when someone matched his wit and engaged in a playful banter with him. 

Ken was a deeply loyal friend and devoted husband. It was an integral part of who he was to always keep his word. He accepted and respected people, lifted their day and encouraged them. He was always on your side. Even strangers would easily make a connection with him and often share their problems. He was generous with his well-earned advice and support and helped people believe in themselves. 

He had a keen eye for beauty, design, creativity and quality which was apparent in his appearance, his home, and his interests. Ken was an avid art collector with a bent towards whimsy and the contemporary. His home often elicited requests for tours of his colorful and interesting paintings and glass works. He was almost always listening to music and loved jazz, blues, and rock concerts especially in more intimate venues. He had an uncanny ability to name almost any song in the first few notes. 

Two of his greatest passions were wine and food. He owned a restaurant in Boston and after tasting what ownership was like, determined that tasting the food was really what he really liked. He researched the highest-rated wines, best chefs and restaurants and ate at many of the world’s highest-ranked. Of course, a criterion (after his retirement) was they had to allow shorts! He delighted in sharing his foodie knowledge from fried chicken joints to Michelin-starred molecular gastronomy, and could make recommendations to friends anywhere. He always knew the coolest places to go, to eat, and to stay.

He and his wife, Tracy, loved to travel. They were married at a winery in Napa, CA, and had many adventures visiting vineyards and wineries from Washington state to Portugal to Argentina. Together, they explored 28 countries and almost every state in the US. Ken was a big believer that life was about experiences. They spent 3 months living throughout South America, and in 2018 sold their home, all of their their belongings and became nomads traveling the US and British Columbia. They were always grateful for the gift of their love and for the adventures and experiences they cherished together.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Tracy Ingalls, his sisters Susan Moore (Kevin) and Angela Mahy (Wayne) both of Roswell, New Mexico. 

For more than 20 years, Ken met the growing challenges of Multiple Sclerosis with great strength and exceptional character. Now with God, he is no longer restrained by an MS- inflicted body. He is sky diving, playing ball with his bearded collie Mop, trekking up pyramids....

 Ken's request was for no formal services. Please celebrate his life by sharing a story, enjoying a great meal or raising a toast to him. He will be having a big California Cab!

 Ken continued to fight MS, donating his brain and spinal cord to research. Donations in his memory may be made to Multiple Sclerosis research:

https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=577416