H. Earl Mccutchen

H. Earl McCutchen, 85 of Colton, CA was born on May 16th 1936 to H.L. “Mac” and Vivian McCutchen of Phoenix, Arizona. Earl passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2021 at home, per his wishes not to be admitted into the hospital. He was surrounded with SOME of the people whom he cherished in his life and those who loved and respected him as a father, a father figure, a friend and husband. Although Earl’s family and close friends were gathered at his bedside in love and prayer for his final moments, He did not leave this earth without a fight. He always fought the fight with courage, he was strong and he had a huge will to survive. Some of his last words to his daughter were, “I am not ready to die Miss”. He loved life. He loved people and if he loved you… YOU KNEW IT.

Earl grew up in Phoenix where he met his bride, Mary Kathryn Cooper; they were married on, September 10th 1954 in Yarnell, AZ. They have three children: Richard, Mark, & Malia. He worked at A-1 Radiator in Phoenix, AZ with his father learning the business and later moved to California. Earl and his father “Mac” purchased Coldino Radiator from Earl’s Uncle Troise in San Bernardino CA. At that time he became in full partnership with his father “Mac”. When the 10 freeway was continued from Route 66, Earl and “Mac” purchased land and moved Coldino Radiator to Colton, CA and renamed the business Colton Radiator and Air Conditioning. To augment the lean times in starting a new business Earl was a welder for Barbara Ann Bakery, Rohr Aircraft and Lockheed. He was an avid welder. He designed and built everything needed at Colton Radiator from vats to huge hoists that would crane and maneuver Caterpillar tractor size radiators where needed. Earl had a love of welding. So much so he taught evening classes at Valley College to share and teach the next generation a trade in hopes it would never be lost. Earl’s experience for welding was recognized when he performed High Tolerance welding on a collar, which was used on Apollo 11 that flew the 1st Astronaut Neil Armstrong to walk on the moon. Earl also designed, welded and installed for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Besides owning Colton Radiator and Air Conditioning, his love of cars and people lead him to opening and owning Colton Auto sales and then years later Redlands Auto Sales.

Earl was a magnetic presence in any room he entered. He had a tremendous sense of humor that kept those around him in stitches. He loved practical jokes and laughed with those that were part of the joke weather they knew it YET or not. He was the life of the party telling one joke after another. You were only a stranger once with Earl, as he loved people. You knew this through the warmth of his smile and great hugs. Earl was never one to shy away from telling you he loved you - one of his greatest gifts. One of Earl’s devotions was always helping others and in someone’s time of need, he was this first to offer help and he followed through. He was a true man’s man. During his lifetime he loved to fish, hunt, work on cars in addition to racing them. He also grew up with horses which led him to a love for showing them, riding them and rodeo; this included bull riding events, a few for himself but many with his nephews and his passion for the sport of team roping and horse racing.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife Mary of 67 years, his children, Richard McCutchen, Mark McCutchen, & Malia McCutchen-Moore (Christopher Moore). His grandsons; Cade (Melissa), Cole (Summer) and 9 great-grandchildren. His 3 nephews who were like sons to him Bobby & Derek Ritarita, and Brian Vidmar. His sister Sylvia Ritarita, His sisters-in-law Deana Stubbs (Edward), & Peggy Brown. His brothers-in-law; Harry Blair (Cindi), Dennis Merdith (Sandi), Jonny Cooper (Patti), & Richard Copper (Gaye). Many other nieces, nephews and close friends. Some who even called him Pops and Dad. He was a second Dad to many.

Earl’s celebration of life is Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00 am at Emerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel 703 Brookside Avenue Redlands CA. Reception immediately following at Chris and Malia’s home.