Kenneth Patrick Hatch

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021 Kenneth (Ken) Patrick Hatch, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 80. Ken was born on June 25, 1940 in Fresno, CA to Kenneth L. and Virginia Berenice Fitzpatrick Hatch. He attended grade school at Saint Therese School. He grew up on a ranch in Fresno and spent many days fishing, body surfing and spending time with family at Santa Cruz Beach and in Aptos, CA. He graduated Fresno High class of 1958, was distinguished in swimming and water polo and was a Valley Champion and record holder in the 100-yard butterfly. He went to Fresno City College where he met his wife, Judy, of 58 years.

Ken was a small business owner starting with Hatch’s Drive-In in Mendota from 1962-1964 and then across from Roeding Park as Judi-Ken’s Drive-In from 1964-2001. It was a family operation where the children and grandchildren grew up and worked. He also owned and managed rental properties.

Ken’s favorite things were swimming in his pool, taking ocean cruises, cheering enthusiastically at his grandchildren's sporting events, and driving around the U.S. attending events with his wife, Judy, and the PT Cruiser Club of Central California. He had a strong devotion to his Catholic faith and was a longtime member of Our Lady of Victory and The Shrine of Saint Therese Parishes in Fresno, CA. He loved to go to Sunday mass, debate politics, sip on bourbon, gamble at casinos and spend time with his family. Ken will be remembered for his humor, affection and love for his family and friends. He cherished and loved his wife more than anything else in the world. Ken loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren immensely and was proud of all their accomplishments.

He is survived by wife of 58 years Judith Arlene (Thiel) Hatch, 3 children and their spouses: son Kenneth Peter Hatch, wife Andrea Hatch of Daly City, CA, daughter Judith Ann Bremer, husband Edward Bremer of Fresno, CA, son Bryce Lewis Hatch, wife Victoria Hatch of Pacifica, CA, 12 grandchildren: Allison Ann (Moore) Freer, husband Brian Freer of Sanger, CA, Rachel Lauren Hatch-Ibarra, wife Ashley Ibarra of Reno, NV, Kristi Ann (Moore) Horner, husband Michael Horner of Clovis, CA, Kelli Christine (Hatch) Richardson, husband Evan Richardson of San Francisco, CA, Kenneth James Hatch, fiancée Alexis Perez of Daly City, CA, Valerie Ann Moore of Fresno, CA, Madeline Nicole Hatch of Daly City, CA, Spencer Bremer of Fresno, CA, Bryce Patrick Hatch, Benjamin Lewis Hatch, Brody Robert Hatch and Bonnie Elizabeth Hatch of Pacifica, CA, 2 great-grandchildren: Jaxon James Freer, 1 year 9 months and Harper Elizabeth Freer, 8 months of Sanger, CA, sister Esther Caiazza of Clovis, CA , brother-in-law Ronald Thiel and his wife Barbara Franklin of Honokaa, Hawaii, and many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by sister Virginia Arlene Jernigan, nephew David Koop and parents, Kenneth L. and Virginia Berenice Hatch.

Contributions in Kenneth's memory may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 2850 N Crystal Ave, Fresno, California 93705, www.olvchurch-fresno.com; Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church, 855 E Floradora Ave, Fresno, California 93728, shrineofsttherese.org; and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield, California 93312 US, www.setoncatholicchurch.org. or Fresno Police Chaplaincy ( K9 Unit in designated section) 905 N Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93728 https://fresnopdchaplaincy.org

Monsignor Perry Kavookjian, former Judi-Ken's Drive In employee and longtime friend, will be the celebrant for graveside services.

Arrangements will be handled by Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Hatch family.