Gerald R. Hatch

Gerald R. Hatch tragically left this world to return to his loving Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 66 years old. Gerald was born on Tuesday, April 10, 1945 in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Chauncey R. and Fenla (Rogers) Hatch. He spent his youth in Springerville, Arizona, Reserve, New Mexico, Show Low, Arizona and finally, Snowflake, Arizona. Gerald was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Snowflake Union High School in 1964. In 1967, Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in Germany. Gerald married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Smith in June of 1967 and they remained best friends and business partners for 44 years. After receiving his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he went to work with his dad and some of his brothers in the chainsaw business and, a few years later, added automobiles to their business. He owns and operates four automobile franchises ranging from Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, GMC, Ford, Honda Motorcycles and Husqvarna Chainsaws, which his partners (his sons) are now running. Gerald had a passion to fly, and was the most cautious pilot you would ever meet; sometimes checking the plane 3 times before take off. He loved the outdoors, from working on the tractor, to riding horses, as well as hunting and fishing. He loved to take guided hunting and fishing trips with his sons, grandsons and brothers anywhere from Mexico to the Kaibab. He especially loved his family and doing those activities with them made him happy. Gerald R. Hatch is survived by his 7 children: Garett (Emilie) Hatch of Phoenix, Arizona, Gentry (Amy) Hatch of Show Low, Arizona, Robb (Mikelle) Hatch of Snowflake, Arizona, Guy (Kellie) Hatch of Show Low, Arizona, Ruben (Kim) Hatch of Chandler, Arizona, Jessica (Seth) Gaston of Show Low, Arizona, G.R. Hatch of Chandler, Arizona and he is also survived by 15 grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by a grandson. The Public Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Main Street Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 48 N. Main Street in Snowflake. The Funeral service will begin promptly at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Snowflake Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 175 W. 9th South in Snowflake and those attending the funeral service are asked to arrive at the Stake Center and politely take your seats in the areas provided. The Concluding Service with Military Honors, as well as the interment, will follow at the R.V. "Mike" Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake. The Hatch Family is so appreciative for all the thoughts and prayers and continue to ask everyone to remember Robb and Mikelle in their prayers that they may continue to make a speedy and healthy recovery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Snowflake Senior Center, 1658 S. Main St., Snowflake, Arizona 85937 or to the Show Low Senior Center, 301 E. McNeil Road #A, Show Low, Arizona 85901.