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Jonathan and Linda Gibbs Family planted 10 trees in memory of Hal Hatch
Thursday, August 11, 2022
10 trees were planted in memory of
Hal Hatch
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David Figgat posted a condolence
Monday, August 15, 2022
The year after I graduated I went back to the school to pick up my future wife Bobbie kuhnen. As I was walking down the hall mr hatch saw me shook his head and said, Figgat I thought I got rid of you last year.
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Bob Sevieri posted a condolence
Saturday, August 13, 2022
To Mrs. Hatch and all of Hal's family and friends. My sincere condolences are with you during this difficult time. Please take solace in knowing that Mr. Hatch was the creme de la creme...a man among men...'a man for others'.
I met Mr. Hatch for the first time 45 years ago in the summer of 1977 when I arrived at Meridian High School as the new football coach from that dreaded place called California. A quiet and somber Mr. Hatch seemed very cordial as he gripped the life out of my hand with the force of jaws from a starved alligator, while at the same time giving me the Idaho once over glare. I immediately got the message. There was no doubt in my mind about who was the Meridian alfa male. We soon became good friends. I knew I was OK with Mr. Hatch when I survived one of his infamous bear hugs. I admired his wry sense of humor, and his no nonsense attitude together with his loving and caring for all his students as he went about his difficult duties as vice-principal. He, together with Mr. Rex Johnson and Mr. John Turnbull, formed an incomparable administrative trio loved and admired by students and peers alike. No one messed with Mr. Hatch. After all, everyone, including me, heard the rumors about Mr. Hatch's 'Paddle'. And it's true, he showed it to me one time. It was an intimidating tool of the Hatch philosophy, 'discipline with love'.
Many knew about Mr. Hatch's outstanding athletic ability as a young man. Not many know, however, that Mr. Hatch still owns the Idaho record for the standing high jump. It's true. During another attempt to show this California transplant some Idaho warmth, Mr. Hatch told me that we were going pheasant hunting the next Saturday. "I'll pick you up about 6:30 a.m." he said. Still thinking about the "paddle", and not wanting to come off like a California wimp, I didn't flinch at Mr. Hatch's invitation. It was a crisp fall day when we met three or four of Mr. Hatch's friends several miles from nowhere on a farm somewhere around Black Cat and Franklin Rd. On the way there, not wanting to come off like a novice, I answered Mr. Hatch's question of "have you ever been bird hunting before" with a resounding "Oh, heck yes". After arriving at pheasant paradise, we dispersed towards newly harvested corn fields. Mr. Hatch was about 10 yards to my right as we all inched forward waiting for the birds to fly. Looking at the safety button on my down pointed shotgun, I decided to quietly test the red safety button. Not a good idea. As my shotgun went off blasting a large hole in the ground, I turned to hear a loud scream (think rocket engines at Cape Canaveral) and language I'd never heard in California. That roar was coming from Mr. Hatch who was soaring at least 10 ft in the air. He had just broken the all-time Idaho State standing high jump record by at least 7 ft., but probably at the cost of a desperately needed change of underwear. Needless to say, this new transplant was none too popular (think shunned) and the drive home that day was rather muted. Come Monday in the teacher's coffee room, Mr. Hatch was his usual forgiving self, trying to make light of my hunting prowess. He was a very forgiving person. I got another bear hug.
Mr. Hatch's love and admiration for his family was on display daily. I don't think Mr. Hatch was a betting man, but he took delight in reminding me time and again that his daughter, Jana, had beaten my oldest son, Mike, in the championship 50 yd dash finals at Meridian Elementary School earlier that year. I reasoned to myself that Jana must have gotten a good dose of Mr. Hatch's gene pool (think standing high jump). Pride and love for his family was reflected with each footstep every day of the year.
Thank you, Mr. Hatch, for letting me share a short time in your life that I will always hold close. You were a great role model for all, but your special God given gift to communicate and help our young people will always be remembered. Your 'discipline with love' is something sorely missing in today's world. It is with pride and respect that I will always address you as "Mr." Hatch.........truly a man among men and a man for others. Rest in peace my friend; I will always remember you and your wonderful family.
Bob Sevieri
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Ken Tetrault posted a condolence
Friday, August 12, 2022
I have a couple of memories to share. Shortly after I was ordained a high priest I think Hal was the group leader, he asked me at church if I had done my home teaching yet, I said no and he kept asking if I had done it yet for the rest of the day. Finally when he asked again as the block was done I said yes it's done now. He never harassed me again.
The second one I would like to share is I borrowed the white dodge for a short errand, the next Sunday he came up to me and stuck his hand in my shirt pocket and did the backhand on my chest and told me don't ever do that again, I said what and he said you know what. I had put a ten dollar bill in the glove box, because I knew he wouldn't take the money and I thought he wouldn't know how it got there. Boy was I mistaken.
I will miss him very much, he truly was a great man!!!!!!!
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Lori Jenks posted a condolence
Friday, August 12, 2022
Uncle Hal would call me quite often. I tried to answer if I could. The call always started with “how ya doin” or “what’s going on?”, in his Uncle Hal voice. I tried to keep him informed about my Dad’s health, and after he passed Hal would always ask how my mother was doing. He stopped calling me around Christmas time. I started calling him after that. The last time I talked to him was on his birthday. I miss our conversations. He is one of a kind. I cherish my heritage. I am grateful for the relationship I had with my Uncle Hal. There is a great Hatch reunion happening right now. Lori Hatch Jenks
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Mackenzie Collier planted a tree in memory of Hal Hatch
Friday, August 12, 2022
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No words will describe the way I miss you, a hero and a beacon of light. You created such a beautiful life for all of us. I love you grandpa! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tammy Breivik purchased flowers
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will never forget Mr. Hatch. Much love, Eldon and Denise Buchanan Tammy Buchanan Breivik
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Cyndi Robison Hayes posted a condolence
Thursday, August 11, 2022
My sister, Pam, and I worked at the Meridian Pool for many years in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Every spring, when Hal began preparing for the summer season, he would call the house. He never identified himself on the phone… just a booming “Hello there!,” and anyone who answered would know it was him.
Cyndi Robison Hayes
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Christine Donnell posted a condolence
Thursday, August 11, 2022
When my daughter was at MHS she got into an argument with another girl and got sent to the office to see Mr. Hatch. She was suspended and I was called to come to talk to the vice- principal to get her back into school. I was the principal of McMillan Elementary at the time and so very upset that I was called into the vice-principal's office. As I sat in front of Mr. Hatch, hoping he would reinstate her, I became emotional and the tears came. I couldn't believe I did that and was fumbling in my purse for a tissue. I'll never forget what Hal did. He swiveled around in his chair behind the desk, grabbed something and the next thing I saw was the roll of toliet paper in front of me. It worked just fine and so did Mr. Hatch! I loved him! Christine Donnell
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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Anonymous
purchased the Summer's Light Bouquet and planted a memorial tree for the family of Hal Hatch.
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Jill, Eric and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Hal Hatch
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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Jill, Eric and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tonya Weirum Henson posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
I will never forget how he treated me with kindness and dignity when I became pregnant the spring semester of my junior year in 1980. I had a couple teachers who were not so kind, and Mr Hatch said he would "take care of it". I don't know what he said or how he did it, but I never had any other issues. When I was told that I wouldn't be allowed to return for my senior year, it was to his office that I went to cry and rant against the "rule". I'll admit, at the time all his advice and kind words did little to diminish the sting of the decision, but the advice he gave me has stayed with me forever. Boiled down, it was about hardships, overcoming hardships or letting them define your life, and what was REALLY important, which wasn't graduating with my class despite what I thought.
On a little funnier note, when my brother hit high school, he somehow managed to change his contact person to me instead of our mom (without telling me) . I remember the first time I got called and had to meet with Mr. Hatch for one of my brother's antics. He looked at me, made a funny face, and said "This is interesting. Do I want to know how your responsible for your brother?" I made up some vague story I'm sure he didn't believe a word of, and we then moved on to how I needed to get my teenage brother in line and make him behave. I made some comment about being busy working, my young child, and such. He just said, "Well, now you get the fun of a teenage boy. Do good and make him straighten up" and told me what his punishment was going to be. My mom never knew about the switch until I ratted him out one Christmas a few years ago when she kept going on and on about how "your brother was so good in high school...never any trouble!"
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Tom & Lori Clark purchased flowers
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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Your in our thoughts and prayers for strength
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Lisa and Neal Savage purchased flowers
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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With loving thoughts and great memories! What a glorious reunion you must be having!
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Karen Law Moriarty posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
During my high school years, I used to write notes to excuse Richard Packard after he skipped school and signed the note "Talmadge Packard." Then my senior year I was called into Hal's office. As I entered his office, he had that huge grin, with a bit of a scowl and said, "how's it going Talmadge?" I was mortified! Needless to say, I never did that again! Love you Hal, you're the greatest!
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Tina Conger purchased flowers
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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Tina Conger
purchased the Beautiful in Blue and planted a memorial tree for the family of Hal Hatch.
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My Deepest Sympathy, I Am So Sorry For Your Loss, So Heart Breaking, We Know He Has Joined Our Father In Heaven And Son Jesus Christ And Those Before
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Tina Conger planted a tree in memory of Hal Hatch
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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My Deepest Sympathy, I Am So Sorry For Your Loss, So Heart Breaking, We Know He Has Joined Our Father In Heaven And Son Jesus Christ And Those Before Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Ronda Lowe posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
He was beloved and like a second Father to so many. My favorite memory was every Friday night during the MHS basketball season he sat at the back door on a stool. To see kids come and go and check hand stamps. I would always stop and he would grab peppermint lifesavers in his pocket. I always had he butterscotch lifesavers and made sure they were in hand. When I walked thru the door hey would say Hey Little Low Girl! I cried so hard in my bed when I saw this! And then I would whip out my life savers and he would get his out and run his finger around the foil and trade me. This went on every game . So we split our rolls of lifesavers. Also he was very close to Dad. I saw them in the gym one evening Dad and he were standing down the hall outside the gym by the trophy cabinet. And the were arm in arm praying. I often wondered what they were praying together for ?? But I never asked that sacred moment is burned in my memory. Also he was my drivers Ed Teacher. One day I got in the car and he said I want to go to Boise !! My heart was pounding. I said are you serious?? He said yup let’s go ! So we did and the entire time he was like Lowe we have to talk about you driving the ball in. He Said .. what’s with your outside shot ? There’s a s where on the board up there just hit the square hahah literally he gave me strategy for my next game. His laugh was so unique you had to laugh with him! I had the worst driving buddy. And I said do I have to ride with her in the back? And he said yes if I’m going to get drug thru a knothole backwards hahaha so are you.
I told Dad that night during dinner. That Hal and I got drug thru a Knothole backwards by Jonie Lloyd! And my Dad laughed so hard. It became my saying because I had never heard it. Also back then we lived on Cherry Lane the meridian ward was literally in our front yard. My Dad let me go to seminary and then my friends went to my church too! There was no division we were all working together for the community. He also loved my chocolate chip cookies with my Secret ingredient. One day I was changed and warming up with my team and he went by and I went to high five him and he grabbed me by the neck and said Lowe ! Your gonna tell me your secret ingredient!! Then he said shoot the ball will yah!! I love you Mrs. Barfuss my days in your class are my fondest memory!! He leaves such a Legacy! I love you Mr. Hatch I know you hear me! It’s cinnamon. I should have told you before you went to Heaven! Prayers over your hearts and the hearts of the City!! It’s hard to write when your crying so hard he will be missed !
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Rod Brady posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
So sorry to hear of Hal’s passing. I thought he was going to live forever. We moved into the 2nd ward in the mid 80s right after Hal was released as Bishop. An absolute highlight of the 2nd ward was the traditional Mother’s Day song the men would sing in Sacrament meeting, every year, as noted in the obituary, even though Hal was no longer the Bishop. In 1992, the ward was divided and we were put into the new Sunnybrook Ward with the Hatches. As the new Bishop, I made sure to continue Bishop Hatch’s Mother’s Day singing tradition for the next 6 years, which I considered one of my sacred responsibilities.
Fast forward to 2022, I live in St George, Utah now. A few months ago, I was sitting in Ward Council meeting, and the bishop wanted to discuss what we could do for the Sac. Mtg. program for Mother’s Day. He asked if the Elders Quorum could possibly sing a song. I responded “Of course. I have the perfect song!” (Luckily, I have kept a copy of the sheet music for the last 25 years.) We practiced a couple of Sundays and on Mother’s Day all the men and boys, 11 and older, went up to the choir seats and belted out “That Wonderful Mother of Mine” in the St George 3rd Ward. Everyone loved it. The start of an annual tradition! Thank you, Bishop Hatch.
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Carol Ekelem posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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Sorry to hear Hal passed. Also happy for him too, because he is with loved ones and is free of worldly pain and worries. He was such a pillar of the community and brought so much light to so many!
I loved his humor and he made me laugh when I needed it. He had so much love for the youth and he would always say things that made people think deep thoughts or wonder what he was talking about. He made deep impressions on many, and I was one of them. More people need to be like this, reach out to the troubled youth, be friendly to everyone, and mostly make people laugh when they are down. He told me to smile more. He always had others in mind and was very charitable. He’s one of the greats in my book. When he shared his testimony everyone listened.
When my step-dad, Carlos Loveland, passed last year I began to cherish all these old memories flooding my mind of ward picnics with swimming at the Meridian pool, scout breakfasts, girls camp, kidnapping Jill for a sleep over activity to welcome her into beehives, Dana being my bus driver and seeing Hal on his tractor in the fields. He was one reason I liked going to church, because he usually had something interesting to say to capture people’s attention and get them thinking. He had a great testimony, and he loves the Lord and served others happily.
One time, I remember him asking a pregnant lady in the ward, why she was shopping at Idaho tent and canvas lately. He’s so funny! He will be missed!
~Carol Pickles Ekelem
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Trey Crookston and Ashlee Johnson (Crookston) purchased flowers
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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Trey Crookston and Ashlee Johnson (Crookston)
purchased the Blue Caribbean for the family of Hal Hatch.
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Thoughts & prayers to the whole family! Hal was a big part of our childhood memories and will be remembered for his kindness and fun sense of humor
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Michelle Schlekeway posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
As my principle for 4 yrs, he will always be Mr. Hatch, Larger than life and a wonderful man. Meridian high would not have been the same without him. He was a fatherly figure to all of us. Such a good man. Years later, he even gave my oldest drivers training classes. I asked what I owed him, his reply was " just bring me a pizza". He is legendary!! Great inspiration to all that got to know him. Class 77
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Ona Parker posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Mr Hatch was my driver's trainer in my 9th grade. He said I was a very bad at parking ,I should know better my name is Parker. He was the best teacher and friend.
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Jeannette Shaffer posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
My name is Jeannette Howard Shaffer. I went to church with Hal Hatch. I always loved his sense of humor and his friendly personality. Also when I was in the ninth grade I took drivers training. At that time it was an actual class in school. Hal Hatch was my instructor. We spent a lot of hours in the same car. He was a great teacher. I am very saddened at his passing. Sincere condolences to the family.
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Rebecca posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Rebecca Loveland Hurdman - He was my driver's training instructor. I saved my own money to take lessons from him. I was driving along on the freeway and Hal was just gazing out the side window. I didn't realize it, He looked over and it occurred to him. "You might be going a little fast, maybe you ought to slow down.". Oh! 83...
Hal was my cousin I would brag. As his great grandmother was my great great grandmother.
He gave a fireside I remember because it emphasized the importance of self image. Getting your youth braces or makeup or whatever it was to help them feel good about themselves. Something I had never heard from others.
He also may have been one of the last pulpit pounders from my early childhood. I miss them all getting up and with mighty fist hitting the pulpit as they boldly declared "I KNOW" or grasping the pulpit so hard it almost went with them. He was one man that helped me know.
He also handed out mint lifesavers to us as children at church and would hide them turning his hand over as we went to grab it. I didn't like the lifesavers but ate them anyway for the exsperience of getting one. He was always tidying up the chapel hymnals. And he came over many times to visit with my dad and I would harass him and ask him when he was going to be a better farmer that I noticed weeds in his fields... And he would punch me in the arm and brag about his arm & hammer muscles.
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Jeannette Marler posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
In 1974 I was a sophomore and went to an out of town football game up north. My friends and I kept leaving the game to use the restroom. He was standing outside at the gate and said to us " If you guys would stop drinking beer you wouldn't have to leave so often. " We never got in trouble and was always the nicest guy. Great drivers training teacher also. So patience!
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Michael posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Michael Conroy: Hal was a mentor to me for all my 31 years at Meridian High School. I have a plethora of Hal Hatch Stories but I will share this one. I arrived in August of 1977. That first Saturday following the conclusion of the football season, my phone rings at 6am. I answer "I'll pick you up at 7". That's it. He didn't identify himself or why he was picking me up. I get dressed and at 7am he drives up with friend and fellow teacher John Claxton. They are in this very large farm truck that's really old and very scary looking. "What are we doing?" I ask. "We are going to get wood for the widows and orphans of the ward." He repllies. "Get in". I run back into my house grab gloves, goggles, my weightlifting belt and swap out my shoes for a pair of boots.
We drive all the way up to Smith's Ferry (Cougar Moutain Lodge). He makes a left hand turn and we go up a road that is just a side mirror wider than the truck. The road is narrow, drops off to the river below, is steep and its rutted, muddy and soft. After, what seemed like "forever' we come to a clearing and he stops,. Claxon pulls out this 28" bar Homelight Chainsaw and then Hal retrieves a 36" bar Jonsered Chainsaw. Being from the San Fransico Bay Area I had never seen a bigger saw. Up the hillside we go. "Why I am here?" I ask. The two of them look at each other and smile. "You'll see" Says Hal. After an hour of scouting "Clax" and Hal decide on this Really Big Tree. The trunk is bigger than two of us could link hands around, and it's on a slant.
Undeterred by the peril that I see they fell it. Then they start dividing it into 6' sections while I lop of the limbs. At the conclusion of this Hatch turns to me and says. "Go down to the road and make sure that what we send down doesn't end up in the creek," Not sure of what is going to happen, I position myself on the road. The first log they send down gets some pretty good momentum and at the last moment hits a stump, launches into the air hits the road and bounces up and over and into the creek below.
The two of them are staring at me and you can see how 'funny' they think my predicament is. "You can't be doing that" Claxon yells at me. "You gotta stop them". No advice on how I was to accomplish was given to me. The next couple of hours where spent with me both being able to "stop them" and load them into the truck. We got 4 cords, maybe more, All loaded up we 'headed back', IF I thought the 'way up' was perilous, The 'way down' was a combination of "Mister Toad's Wild Ride" and the Movie "Deliverance" I was on the 'creek' side door and was convinced we would not make it back. I swear the side mirros where scraping the hillside and at times at least one wheel was off the road. I was reminded of Psalms 116:6 "The Lord protects the helpless" We get back to the main road and are home before dark. They drop me me off first. "Do you need help unloading?" I begin. "We'll do that next Saturday. I'll call you." Begins Hall.. As he gets ready to drive off, he gives me the very best John Wayne Moment. "You done good" He smiles and drives off. He taught me so much about being a good teacher and a good person. As many will say... Hal Hatch was an original, No one else even close to him.
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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Thinking of you all - he will be greatly missed!
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Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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The family of Hal Hatch uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
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