Bruce Randall Hatch
April 26, 1933 - December 6, 2017
Obituary
Bruce Randall Hatch, 84, of Federal Way, WA, passed away on December 6.
Bruce was born April 26, 1933 in Prescott, AZ. He attended schools in Bonita, Thatcher, Joseph City and Holbrook, AZ. Bruce graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in chemical engineering and served as an Air Force pilot for 21 years, spending a year and a half in the Vietnam War. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Boeing in Seattle for another 21 years. Bruce served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish American Mission in Texas and two, 20-month service missions with his wife. He served as a Bishop in the Federal Way 8th ward for five years and was active in scouting for many years with the Boy Scouts of America.
In 1957, he married Betty Kay McEuen in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa, AZ temple. They are parents of eight children. Michelle (deceased), Steven Randall (Susan), Erin Bruce (Michele), Tracy Porter (Collette), Brett Michael (Kristy), Mindy Kay, David Sterling (Kari), and Kristi Lyn Plaster (Corey). They have 30 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Bruce is preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, his parents, Anne and Grant Hatch, and his brother, Sheridan. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Hansen and his brother, Douglas Hatch.
Bruce will be remembered fondly for the legacy he leaves of service, kindness, hard work, faith, humor, dedication and love. He never once said a negative word about another individual and always had a lopsided grin for everyone. Bruce loved rocks and spent many hours collecting and making jewelry. He will be dearly missed. Until we meet again…
We love you our sister Betty and your family. Out prayers are with you this week. We will surely miss our sweet brother-in-law Bruce. May our Heavenly Father’s arms be wrapped around you.
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Bruce. I always loved it when he and Aunt Betty would travel to AZ to visit. I sure enjoyed when we were able to spend time with the cousins. Aunt Betty, my prayers are with you and your family. Love you all. Laine
Bruce (Brother Hatch) was always so kind to me, and my family, from the Chanute AFB (Rantoul, IL 1971 – 1974) to now. His infectious smile wore ff on me and helped me through some hard times. I was definitely a partaker of his kindness, and Betty’s too!
Betty: Thanks for putting up with me, not only a a young, stupid, teenager, but in the late ’90s.
Steven, Erin, Trace: Thanks for memories of Rantoul!
To the res of Bruce’s great family: I don’t have to tell you of what a great man Bruce is. Just know that his love for you is Eternal and that your father, grandfather and great-grandfather has a firm Testimony of even HIm, Jesus Christ and was not afraid to show that tot the World!
I love and miss president Hatch. President Hatch , his wife and his children were my love. Betty introduced me to German Chocolate cake, helped me feel loved by dressing me up for my graduation, my mother and me were at their home every Sunday for dinner, since we started investigating the church. They were like my parents. When my husband passed away President Hatch came to visit my children and me all the way from Federal Washington, We talked often on the phone. He was a great counselor, patriarch. while he served in our branch in Del Rio Texas his loved for God radiated as he loved his people.