Ernest Mantz Hutchinson, 74

Ernest Mantz Hutchinson, 74, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Feb. 24, 2020. Mantz spent his final years among a loving and cherished group of friends in the AA community and at Sykes Market where he lived, conversed and shared opinions.

Mantz was born in Whitefish and grew up living a life of adventure with his closest friends before moving on first, to Montana State University and then the University of Montana, obtaining a master’s degree in economics. Graduation was followed by 10 years in Helena, first at the Montana State Legislative Council where he was instrumental in rewriting the state’s tax code, now considered one of the most fair tax systems in the country and in reforming state banking laws. Mantz then became the assistant director for the Property Tax Division of the Montana Depart-ment of Revenue. While serving his state, Mantz also served his country as an Army Reserve officer, retiring in 1978 with the rank of captain.

After leaving the Legislative Council in Helena, Mantz returned to his native Whitefish where he helped to modernize the state property assessment system by piloting a computer system in the Flathead County Assessor’s office. Mantz went into private practice in 1992 and continued as a private property appraiser until his retirement in 2008.

Mantz survived by his sister, Ann Shattuck and nephew, Chris Walton, both living in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Services will be held at the Alano Club in Kalispell. A date and time will be announced after the current health advisories have been lifted.