THE much-loved Fremantle personality, local historian and writer David Hutchison died on December 27, aged 90.

Mr Hutchison had a great passion for the past and worked tirelessly in various roles, being the first ever curator of history at the WA museum and overseeing the Fremantle history museum.

He was a life member of the Fremantle History Society and had served on its committee from 1999-2004.

Current society president Bob Reece said Mr Hutchison preached the down-to-earth virtues of community history.

“David is one of those rare people we can call a true authority on Fremantle and its history,” Mr Reece says.

“As someone once said to him, ‘David, you have forgotten more history than I will ever know!’”

• David Hutchison

For a time Hutchison was the heart and soul of the South City precinct and wrote books including Fremantle Walks, dedicated to “Fremantle and the many friends who share it with me and my wife, June”.

WA Museum chief executive officer Alec Coles says; “The trustees and staff of the WA Museum are deeply saddened by the passing of David Hutchison.

“Our deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends, but also our assurance that his legacy lives on through the work of the museum.”

East Fremantle’s Janice Dudley says it is a not only a great loss to the Hutchison family, but also to Fremantle and the WA community. Mr Hutchison’s death following a battle with Alzheimer’s capped off a dismal year for Fremantle’s heritage community following the death of architect Rob Campbell and story teller Alec Smith, and Fremantle Society founder Les Lauder’s decision to relocate to Tasmania.

by ALICE ANGELONI