Mike W Hatch

"Still are the keys . . . . Silenced is the music . . . . that filled our home, and the hearts of many, over the years."

Our Dad, Mike W. Hatch, passed away of natural causes on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the age of 92. He was born April 8, 1931, in Kelly, Idaho, the second of five sons of Asa Foulds Hatch and Emma Elizabeth (Whitworth) Hatch.

He attended North Gem Schools in Bancroft, Idaho, and Ricks College before serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. Upon his return, he wasted no time proposing to his childhood sweetheart, Donna Hogan, as he was to report for military duty a month after returning from his mission. It was a dream come true when he and Mother were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in August 1953.

Dad and Mom became the parents of five children - four sons and one daughter. The Idaho farm, the homestead where Dad was born, was their family hub for many years. In February 1971, they settled in Logan, Utah.

Growing up on a farm, Dad developed habits of rising early and going right to work and this habit stayed with him all his life. In later years, if it was early morning, you could count on him being in his office studying, having his scriptures open as well as several other books and a red pen and pencil close by. He taught his family the gospel of Jesus Christ through direct teaching and by the way he lived his life!

Teaching came naturally and Dad loved every opportunity - from teaching his children, to teaching high school, piano, church youth groups, misc. church classes and more. He shared his testimony in letters sent monthly to his family from Jan. 1990 to mid-2016.

Scouting was an important part of Dad's life - as a youth, as a father, and as an ambitious scoutmaster. His unique leadership style and determination to challenge the young men in his troop resulted in valuable life-long lessons and memorable stories.

Dad couldn't wait to serve a mission with Mother. Together they served in the Johannesburg South Africa Mission from Aug 1997 - Jan 1999 and generations of our family will treasure their miracle survival story.

One of Dad's most endearing legacies has been using his love of music to encourage his children to learn multiple instruments and play together as a family. In addition, he enjoyed using his piano-playing talents to entertain at senior care centers around Cache Valley and did so for over thirty years.

Mike was preceded in death by two brothers, Don, and Clair. He is survived by his wife, Donna, Logan, UT, their five children: Terry & Kathy Hatch, Bancroft, ID, Lisa & Perry Smith, Sparks, NV, Chris Hatch & MaryAnn Hoopingarner, Ogden, UT, Mike Jr & Lori Hatch, Nibley, UT, and Casey & Katie Hatch, Smithfield, UT, 16 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Sat. May 13 at the Lundstrom Park First Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1260 N 1600 E, Logan, Utah, under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Viewing 9:30-10:30am, service at 11:00am and burial in Chesterfield, Idaho.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The family and I wish to thank every individual who provided care and assistance to my husband through past years, as well as in these last few months and weeks of his life. - Love, Donna

LINKS

Nelson Funeral Home

The Herald Journal

http://www.hjnews.com