Richard Phil Hatch

Richard Phil Hatch "was taken from us too soon" when he died Friday evening, January 20, 2012 at the Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona just 9 days shy of his 54th birthday. Phil was born on Wednesday, January 29, 1958 in McNary, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Richard Hill Hatch and Louise McCleve Hatch. Phil worked as a Control Room Operator for the Cholla Power Plant for many years. Many grew to appreciate his attention to detail and the dedication he had to his chosen profession. He was a genuinely kind man to everyone and enjoyed helping others with whatever he could. He possessed many skills and was affectionately known as "a jack of all trades." He loved being outside and thoroughly enjoyed working in his yard. He truly made his home a showplace for the whole neighborhood to enjoy. Phil also was a skilled mechanic and, many of his family and friends relied on his expertise as he was able to fix just about any problem with any car or truck. He was mechanically curious and loved to tinker and fix anything mechanical. His love of engines led him to another of his favorite past times; his Harley motorcycle. Phil spent countless hours on the open road riding his "Hog" appreciating the beauty of the world in which he lived. He was a thrill seeker and always looked for the adventures that life had to offer. Everyone wanted to spend time with him because, when they did, they always had a great time. Phil will be greatly missed by everyone whomever had the privilege to call him "friend." Phil was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved The Savior and, daily, sought to do His will. Throughout his life, Phil served in many church positions and always magnified his callings. He was a true example of goodness, as he lived his faith daily through kind acts of service to his fellow man. Phil was a true family man. As a young man he was a devoted son to his parents and was a dependable brother to his brother and sisters. When he married his eternal sweetheart, he was a loving, caring and thoughtful husband. His sons and daughter always respected him and loved him for his integrity and example. As his grandchildren arrived, his joy expanded ten-fold. He knew that each member of his beautiful family was individual and unique and loved each one unconditionally. They are all so grateful for the knowledge they have of the eternal nature of man knowing that "Families Are Forever." Though they will miss him like no other, they look forward to the day that they will be reunited. Richard Phil Hatch is survived by: his wife, Patti Lee (Hancock) Hatch of Taylor, Arizona; 3 children: Brandon (Jessica) Hatch of Snowflake, Arizona, Dusty (Brittney) Hatch of Pocatello, Idaho, Alyssa (Garrett) Duff of Taylor, Arizona; his mother, Louise M. Hatch of Taylor, Arizona; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters: Merlene (Danny) Foshee of Snowflake, Arizona, Ava (Marty) McNeil of Taylor, Arizona, Amy Hatch of Fountain Hills, Arizona and 1 brother, Justin (Karen) Hatch of Gilbert, Arizona. The public visitation for Phil will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 23, 2012 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - Heritage Chapel, 84 E. 19th South in Snowflake, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Taylor Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 309 W. Willow Lane in Taylor, Arizona where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. Bishop Dennis Evans will officiate at the service. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona. Phil's family is grateful for all the expressions of sympathies they have received through thought and deed and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up in their behalf.