Michael Lynn Hatcher

December 30, 1963 * September 20, 2018

Visalia resident Michael L. Hatcher, died September 20, 2018, at the age of 54.

Born in Reedley, California, on December 30, 1963, Mike (or “Hatch”, as his friends often called him), was the son of Owen and Ruth Hatcher. He lived with his family in Reedley, California. Mike attended Reedley High School, where he wrestled, participated in track and field, and excelled in football. He attended Reedley College and then transferred to Western Oregon State College (now Western Oregon University) on a football scholarship. Remarkably, during his college years, Mike played and coached football on a professional level during his off-season in the UK, which included one season with the London Wolfpack and several more with the Manchester All-stars.

After graduating from College with a BA in Business Communications, Mike moved to Visalia in 1989. He met his future wife, Susan Konold, at a singles barbeque through Grace Community Church. They were married December 19, 1992. Mike and Sue have four children: Brenna, a recent UCSD graduate; Wesley, attending Fresno State; and twins Daniel and Matthew in their senior year at El Diamante High School.

Mike’s first job after college was working for Orange Belt Stages as a personnel manager. From 1989 to 1996, he had his hands full keeping drivers and maintenance crews hired and happy, and would occasionally find himself behind the wheel in a pinch. Mike then made the switch to the agriculture business, selling and brokering Central Valley fruit crops including grapes and tree fruit. In the summer of 2003, the family moved to Aptos, California, where Mike sold berries for several companies including Dole. In 2009, the family moved back to Visalia, setting up residence in their current home on the west side of town. Mike continued in produce sales until the time of his death.

Mike was an active member in all the communities of which he was a part. In high school and college, he served in Campus Crusade and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He had leadership roles in Young Life for a number of years, which included trips to Tahoe for Young Life ski weekends. He coached freshman football at Redwood High School for one season. As his kids became involved in sports, Mike coached flag football and Cal Ripken baseball. Mike was a regular attender of Neighborhood Church.

Owing to their time as a family living near the California coast, the Hatcher kids took to water sports, and Mike was a vocal presence at swim meets and water polo games, cheering loudly and starting crowd chants such as “Let’s go, SOVA!” and “Let’s go, Miners!” Music is a big part of the Hatcher household, and Mike was a big supporter of the arts, with his kids actively involved in band, choir, and orchestra. Mike enjoyed college football immensely. On weekends he could be found on his Harley Davidson, and he enjoyed cycling and golf.

A service will be held in Mike’s memory on Friday, September 28th, beginning at 1pm at Neighborhood Church, located at 5505 W. Riggin Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291. A reception will follow at the same location. Mike was a guy who liked to dress comfortably, so the family invites attendees to dress casually and wear something green in recognition of Mike’s connection to the Reedley HS Pirates, El Diamante Miners, and, of course, the Oregon State Ducks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to “Gleanings for the Hungry” (www.gleanings.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, Ca 93291 www.millerchapel.com