Robert “Bob” Thayer Hatch, born March 1, 1923, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Hanson Hospice on April 9th, 2020. He was 97. He was a life long resident and a proud member of one of St Joseph’s founding families.
After graduating from St. John’s Military Academy in 1940, he attended DePauw University and graduated from Miami University in Ohio in 1945. Bob met his future wife Jackie at Twin City Players, where they both performed in a production of The Philadelphia Story. They were married July 5, 1947.
In 1952 he originated the harbor patrol, writing the “Rules of the Road” for safe travel in the St. Joseph Harbor.
He worked with his family at Saint Joe Iron Works, later renamed Saint Joe Machines. He was Vice President and Director of Engineering. In 1965 Urban Renewal purchased the building he purchased a small plant in Bridgman, named Stephens MFG. He later sold the business and began a career in real estate. Bob earned all real estate designations and was always in the top five of sales.
Robert became a genealogist prior to ancestry.com and the internet. His research took him to many east coast locations where he spent hours tracing his lineage to the 1200’s in England.
Bob was active in the community as a board member, volunteer or aid, including the St Joseph Library, Krasl Art enter and Lakeland Hospital. He was the longest living member of the local Elks Club.
Bob had a youthfulness of spirit. his interests and activities were many and varied, from being a ham radio operator, to taking art classes at the senior center. His love of learning continued his entire life. After college, he took one class a year for 50 years.
Bob received his private pilots and sail plane license in the 60s. He took up tapdancing at age 80, and parachuted at age 85. He loved music and was teaching himself the saxophone and trombone at age 87. For his 95th birthday, he celebrated by once again flying a glider.
Bob has written several books, How to Embalm Your Mother-in-Law and The Zorkoff Experiment. He complied and published Memories of Yesteryear for the Heritage Society, and book III of Lest We Forget Series. He completed his last book, unpublished as this point, at age 96.
Bob lost his wife, LaVonne Jacqeline Hatch “Jackie” in June 2011 after 64 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Madeline (Leetge) Hatch, sisters, Mary Elizabeth “Bette” (Robert “Rip”) O’Reilly, Nan Carol Hatch (Otto DaNobrega) of Brazil and Edward Nichols (Jean Turner) Hatch.
He is survived by his 4 children. Stephen Hatch, Lisa Hatch, Tamara (Marti) Hatch, Kimberly (Scott) Hill. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Drew Hatch Hill, Brittany (Eric) Hill, and Christian (Dianna) Hill.
A private graveside service was held at Riverview Cemetery on April 13, 2020. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and love for the support received from Caring Circle (Hospice at Home) and Hanson Hospice. Prior to his move to Hanson, he was cared for by Donna Davis, who became like one of the family. Their nurturing assistance has been invaluable during these very trying times. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring Circle (Hospice at Home) Those wishing to sign Bob’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Posted On: Monday, April 27, 2020 11:23 AM
