Denver Hutt Obituary

Denver Allison Hutt, youngest daughter of Laurence Hutt of Durango, passed away on January 16, 2016, in Indianapolis, at age 28, following a long illness. Denver was born and attended public schools in Santa Monica. She graduated and received degrees in political science and criminal justice from Indiana University-Bloomington. Following graduation, she moved to Indianapolis and, almost immediately, fell in love with the City's vitality, its neighborhoods and culture, and the open and warm-heartedness of its residents. Denver correctly perceived that, with hard work and dedication, she and other young people could have a major impact on the City. Denver worked at Indyhub before becoming the first Executive Director of the Speak Easy, a non-profit, shared workspace for startups. Denver publicized and grew the Speak Easy, while advocating strongly for, and preserving, the Speak Easy's collaborative ethos. She successfully brought people with complimentary skills and knowledge together to formulate and effectuate their business aspirations. Bringing people together was Denver's love and forte. Denver remained as Executive Director at the Speak Easy for over three years, before leaving in mid-2015, to become Economic and Community Development Liaison for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, a position that gave her an upfront view of and an opportunity to impact issues and policies that will influence economic growth in Indianapolis and central Indiana. Denver was named 2014's first woman to know by the Indianapolis Star; she was named to the prestigious "40 Under 40" list by the Indianapolis Business Journal; and she participated in Leadership Indianapolis SKL program, along with political, business and cultural leaders of the City. Despite her difficult battle with illness, Denver refused to let cancer define her or to limit her activities, and she remained working, playing and having fun almost until her passing. Consistent with her dynamic and adventurous personality, Denver directed that, in lieu of a traditional funeral, her associates and friends have a party and drink beer to celebrate her life. In keeping with her wishes, almost 400 people gathered at the Speak Easy to remember Denver and to toast her impact on their lives. Denver's favorite motto was "If not now, when?" In her last blog post a few days before she died, Denver exhorted people to "smile at strangers more this week. Be kind simply because you are a kind person. Judge a little less. Hold the door open." Denver is survived by her father Laurence Hutt, two sisters and a brother, and by her longtime companion Tom Hanley. Donations in Denver's memory can be directed to www.bidpal.net/denver and will be used to subsidize an internship at the Speak Easy to perpetuate her work and legacy.