Gerald R. Hatch

Gerald R. Hatch tragically left this world to return to his loving Heavenly Father on Feb. 4, 2012, in Show Low, Navajo County, Ariz. He was 66 years old.

Gerald was born on April 10, 1945, in Snowflake, Navajo County, Ariz., to the late Chauncey R. and Fenla (Rogers) Hatch. He spent his youth in Springerville, Ariz., Reserve, New Mexico, Show Low, Ariz., and finally, Snowflake, Ariz. Gerald was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He graduated from Snowflake Union High School in 1964. In 1967, Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in Germany.

Gerald married his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Smith, in June 1967, and they remained best friends and business partners for 44 years.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he went to work with his dad and some of his brothers in the chainsaw business and, a few years later, added automobiles to their business. He owns and operates four automobile franchises ranging from Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep to GMC, Ford, Honda Motorcycles and Husqvarna Chainsaws, which his partners (his sons) are now running.

Gerald had a passion to fly and was the most cautious pilot you would ever meet; sometimes checking the plane three times before takeoff. He loved the outdoors, from working on the tractor, to riding horses, as well as hunting and fishing. He loved to take guided hunting and fishing trips with his sons, grandsons and brothers anywhere from Mexico to the Kaibab. He especially loved his family and doing those activities with them made him happy.