Reginald 'reg' Batt

Reginald Victor Batt, 69, of Tempe, Arizona, died December 24, 2007, at his home in Tempe after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A funeral was held December 29, 2007 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, followed by burial at Paradise Memorial Garden in Scottsdale.Reg was born November 18, 1938, in Longmont, Colorado, to Reginald Batt and Dorothy Donovan. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1956, and Colorado State College in 1961. He married Mary Jean Keegan on July 22, 1961 in Martin, South Dakota.Mr. Batt spent his years in Colorado as a high school physical education teacher and coach in the St. Vrain Valley. In addition, Reg was a swim coach, instructor, lifeguard and pool manager for the City of Longmont from the time he graduated from Longmont High to his move to Arizona. He moved to Arizona in 1978 to open a photography studio, Portraits by Reg. For over 29 years, he continued to work with schools through sports pictures, senior portraits and school pictures.Reg had a passion for helping and serving his community. He was active member of the Tempe All-City Sports Association, MABE Business Group and Resurrection Catholic Parish. In his spare time he enjoyed running at South Mountain, swimming, participating in triathlons, and his Tuesday night spin class. His highlight was running the New York City Marathon.Reg was an extremely dedicated man. He had a deep faith in God and real devotion to his wife, family, friends and employees. Reg had a unique way of touching people's hearts with a simple gentle smile. His positive motto, ""attitude is everything,"" was known to all.Preceding him in death were his parents, and a granddaughter, Sydney Hudson.Surviving are his wife; his three children, Mike Batt, Julie Hudson and her husband, Jeff, and Janell Bolen and her husband, Tim; grandchildren, Sara Batt, and Taylor, Molly and Abby Hudson, and Cole and Cloe Bolen, all of the Phoenix area; a sister, Julie Donohue and her husband, Robert; and niece and nephew, Alicia and Jimmy Donohue, all of Denver. A reception will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2008 in St. Benedict Hall at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Longmont. The community is welcome to share memories of Reg with his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sydney Hudson Foundation, 10444 E Corrine Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85259, Chances for Children-AZ, 9399 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284, or Tempe All City Sports Association, c/o Don Wilkinson, Tempe Union School District, 500 W. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283.Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family with www.howemortuary.com.