Corey Sue Hutchinson

Corey Sue Hutchinson, 61, passed peacefully on April 28^th, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Durango, CO. She was born on December 18^th, 1961 in Bremerton, WA to Bruce and Russell and Carolyn Hutchinson. She is survived by her mother, Carolyn, and her brother, Van and his wife Giannina and Corey’s niece, Shalom. She was married to Todd Swanson, David Derfus, and Billy Koons. Her furry companions were Haiku, Rosa, and Opal. Many know Corey (aka Corey Sue) as friend, neighbor, and colleague, and her pioneering business, Aqua Hab, Inc. set a new high bar for excellence in pond design and wetland restoration from La Plata County to surrounding states. Billions up on billions of living organisms owe their existence to habitats restored or created from scratch by Corey Sue and her unmatched love for the Creation.

Corey loved music and played flute in local bands. She loved dancing of all kinds, travelled the world, and was trained in classical ballet for 12 years. She first attended college in Marquette, MI for 2 years and then rode her bicycle from Spring Lake, MI to Corvallis, OR, a trip with a friend that took 2 ½ months. (Later she placed #2 in the World Mountain Bike Championship) She graduated from Oregon State University and went on to obtain a master’s degree in Fisheries.

Corey’s gift to Durango and beyond is both her vivacious personality and lasting friendships plus her priceless contribution to wetlands and diverse ecosystems. Whereas certain past practices had left millions of tons of crushed rock, debris and toxic chemicals—with ensuing erosion and loss of soil and habitats, Corey reversed course decisively with scientifically guided rehabilitation of rivers, streams, wetlands, ponds and more. From unicellular organisms to Homo sapiens, Life itself celebrates Corey’s life.

Her friends and family held a celebration of Corey’s life on May 1^st.