He was born in Detroit, MI on September 27, 1955 to Alger and Clara “Ginger” (Dare) Hatton.
Tim grew up in St. Clair Shores, MI and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1973. Shortly thereafter, he began working at The Budd Company in Detroit in the press shop where he became a member of UAW Local 306.
He enjoyed a long career there where he would eventually become a skilled electrician by trade after completing an apprenticeship and his Associates Degree from Macomb Community College. He retired from Budd in 2006.
In the meantime, on January 31, 1976 he married the love of his life Susan Seccombe. Together they had two children and happily raised them in Eastpointe.
Tim’s love for life, his family, and his friends filled up every room he was in.
His two granddaughters were the light of his life and he enjoyed celebrating every life event with them. His favorite sports team was whatever his youngest granddaughter played on at the time.
Tim also cultivated a rich life for himself surrounded by a tight community of friends who hung out regularly to work on and show motorcycles. He loved traveling and finding ways to work miracles with his friends’ Nortons, Triumphs, and BSAs. He was an expert at pretty much everything mechanical, always did his own home improvement projects, and had a tool for any job imaginable. Tim was a friend to everyone, generous with his time, and willing to help out anyone and everyone in need.
He is survived by his children: Jaime (Aaron) Hlavin and Jason (Laura) Hatton; grandchildren: Kayla and Karis Hlavin; siblings: Sandy (Steve) Petropolous, Kim (Tim) Schatzberg, and Larry Hatton; brother-in-law Jim (Diane) Chase, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Harry Hatton, and sister Diane Chase.
He will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held Friday, December 15 at 2 pm at The Shores Church, 24905 Manhattan, St Clair Shores, MI, 48080. Visitation will be from 1 pm until the start of service.
