Grant Morgan Hatch

Grant Morgan Hatch of Winston, passed away at home, with his wife at his side, Saturday, November 21, 2009. He was 83. Grant was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Leo Rufus and Jemima (Grant) Hatch, on October 26, 1926. There were 12 children in the family. In 1943, at the age of 17, Grant joined the US Navy and served until 1944. He returned to Seattle, WA, where he was a professional roofer, then became a cement finisher, having his own business for more than 30 years. In 1954, Grant married Barbara Jean Knock, and they had 4 children. Leaving the cement business, Grant worked for the Washington State Ferry Boats first as a Wiper, then an Oiler and moved up to be 2nd and 1st Chief Engineer. In the early 1980's, he began work for Military Sealift, who transferred him to the Philippines. This is where he met the love of his life, Carlita . They were married there in July 1983. Upon returning to the States, they were re-married, in January 1984 in Santa Rosa, CA. Their son, Carl, was born in 1984, in the Philippines, and Carla, their daughter, was born a year later, in California. Retired, the family visited Oregon and liked it so much, they moved to Winston in 1988. They built their home and raised their children, here. Carl became an Eagle Scout. Matthew Blanchard, a lifelong friend to Carl and fellow Eagle Scout, became another son to Grant. He was very proud of both. In December 2005, Grant and Carlita adopted Carla's daughter, Dakota. Grant was raised a Mormon and was very proud of his Mormon heritage. He was a direct descendant of Heber J. Grant, President of the Mormon Church in the 1920's.
Grant was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be missed greatly in all of these roles. He is survived by his wife, Carlita Hatch of Winston, sons: Brian Hatch and fianc Leslie, of Seattle, WA; Kevin Hatch of Springfield, OR; Carl Hatch of Winston; daughters: Karen Jensen and her husband Bart of Enumclaw, WA; Teresa Rust and her husband Greg of Winston; Carla Hatch and her boyfriend Blake Geyer, of Winston, and Dakota Hatch of Winston. Grandchildren include: Melena Rutherford and Alli Hatch, David and Mark Hatch, Christopher, Marissa, Cameron Jensen, Joshua, Michael, Robbie, Ariel Lindquist. Great grandchildren include: David Jr., Katlyn, Everett, Avery, Zora, and Danika. Out of the 12 children, only his sister Picola Wood of Burly, ID, and brother Ira Hatch of Yuma, AZ are surviving. He also has many friends, who will miss him.
Visitation will be at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses, November 30, from 9 - 12. The military honor guard, graveside service will be at Roseburg Memorial Gardens at the pavilion, under the direction of Wilson's Chapel of the Roses, on November 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. Immediately, following the service, there will be a potluck reception at the VFW Hall in Winston. Please bring a dish and a story about Grant to share.