On April 3, 2023, Michael Verl Hatch completed his mortal journey of discipleship and service. He followed the covenant path with determination and deep devotion to family. He leaves a legacy that will thrive forever.
Mike was born in Salt Lake City on May 20, 1943, to Elias Verl Hatch and Barbara Hales Hatch. His dad was deployed in the Army during World War II. Mike didn’t meet him until the war was over and he returned in 1945.
His parents cultivated a family with an unshakable faith and love that formed the foundation for Mike’s life. He adored his parents. He was the oldest of five children: Dean (Cindy), Shelly (John Fishbein), Shaunee (Steven Olsen), and David (Mary Ann). His siblings were his very best friends to the end.
In 1951 the family moved to Lakewood, California. The children lived an idyllic life with a hard-working dad and devoted mom who tirelessly tended to the family’s needs. They solidified the bond with extended family with regular visits to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Salt Lake City and Panguitch, Utah and San Francisco. His parents set a strong example of regular church attendance. Mike followed their lead throughout his life.
Mike was called to serve as a young missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Sydney, Australia Mission. He loved the country and the people and sharing the gospel.
Upon returning from his mission, Mike attended Brigham Young University. He served honorably in the Army in Vietnam. He took his rest and recuperation (R & R) in Hawaii. He loved it so much, he returned to work there for a short time as a cab driver.
He loved sports and played on many Church baseball teams. He had a special fondness for karate. He also loved music; almost anything ranging from Handel’s Messiah to the Rolling Stones. He was into photography. He had an extensive slide collection illustrating his many travels.
In 1984, he married Beverly DeCapot in the Salt Lake Temple. They welcomed four children – Ashley (Eric Jenson), John (Wendy), James (Amy) and Ryan (Natalie), and (soon to be) 12 grandchildren. They settled in Chino, California.
Mike was a diligent employee, working for Boeing Aircraft for 30 years. He never took a sick day even when he was sick. The only time he took a day off was when he was at the hospital watching his children be born. He wasn’t afraid of hard work.
Mike served faithfully in many Church callings including as a Primary teacher, Cub Scout Den leader and attentive home teacher. To this day, Chino ward members say how much they loved his visits.
Famous for loving children, he never missed a chance to talk to his own grandchildren, children in his extended family or even in his ward. He recognized the divine in little children, and his love for them reflected his discernment and certainty about our Heavenly Father’s plan.
Mike was a firm believer in self-reliance. He taught his children to do their own laundry, maintain cars and do yard work. He had them help him restore an old wooden picnic table and cut down a huge tree in the backyard.
He strived valiantly to keep family connections alive, even with extended family. He tried to attend every baby blessing, wedding and family reunion. He called and emailed everyone.
He visited his children and grandchildren often, even in his last few months when traveling became difficult. He visited Ryan and his family in Montana and Ashley and her family in Texas last summer. Just a month before his passing, he spent time in California with John and his family. For the last two years of his life, he lived with James, Amy and Peter. At one time, Peter commented that his grandpa was his “best friend.”
Mike will be remembered as a good friend to everyone he came in contact with from the neighborhood pharmacist to his large extended family. His family was his motivation for and the beneficiaries of their patriarch’s visionary faith. Now they are his living legacy.
A viewing will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, from 10:00 to 10:45 am and funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, 15120 South Noell Nelson Drive, Bluffdale Utah 84065.
Interment will follow in the Utah Veterans Memorial Park.
So saddened to hear the news of Mike’s passing. My daughter and I had a nice visit with him last month in. Chino. It was evident how much he loved his children and grandchildren. I’m sure he’s so happy to be with his loved ones who have passed.