JACK D. HATCH

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla., and PASSADUMKEAG – Jack D. Hatch, 65, passed away Oct. 16, 2008, surrounded by his family and a friend who loved him at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Fla. He was born Sept. 8, 1943, to Julia (Rogers) and Dennis W. Hatch Sr., in Macon, Ga., at Warner Robins Army Base, where his father was stationed. He spent his childhood years in Maine and attended elementary schools in Passadumkeag, where he grew up. He graduated from Howland High School, Class of 1961. Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era and served his country within the United States. He worked at Lincoln Pulp & Paper Mill and moved to Florida in 1978. He then made his home in Zephyrhills, Fla., working for Lykes Pasco Citrus Co., where he was actively involved with the union. Jack belonged to the American Legion Post, Zephyrhills, Fla. He was also a member of the fellowship and a friend of Bill W. His is survived by his mother, Julia Hatch of Zephyrhills, Fla.; a sister, Jane and her husband, Donald Briggs, of Newport; a brother, Dennis Hatch Jr. and his wife, Christine, of Passadumkeag; several nieces, nephews and their families, and cousins. Jack made friends wherever he was and was often heard saying, “Meet as strangers, leave as friends.” He was a friend and befriended by all who met him. His family; his mother’s companion, Ed Edwards; and special friends will sadly miss him. He was predeceased by his father, Dennis Hatch Sr. of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Passadumkeag; grandparents, Milan and Emily Hatch and Blanche and Henry Rogers; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Committal services with military honors were held Oct. 23 at the National Veterans’ Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.