Richard Merrill Hatch

Richard was born in Auburn on April 2, 1929, the son of Bernice (Bowden) and Forrest Hatch. He was a graduate of Edward Little High School. He furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Poultry Husbandry from the University of Maine, Orono and a Master’s degree in Poultry Nutrition and Management from the University of New Hampshire.

He served two years in the US Army, assigned to AG Radio Far East Command Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, during the Korean War.

He was employed by Lipman Poultry in Augusta, ME for 25 years, where he held numerous positions, including broiler production specialist, Director of Genetics, General Manager of Lipman’s Feed Division, and General Manager of Lipman Orchards. He was subsequently employed by Spafas Inc in Norwich, CT as farm manager, overseeing the production of pathogen free eggs for use in vaccine production. His later career was as an egg inspector for the USDA and Maine State Department of Agriculture.

Dick was a lifelong skier, having been a member of the ELHS, Cushing Academy, and University of Maine ski teams, the latter on which he served as captain. In 1951, he participated in the US Olympic cross country ski team try outs. Dick was an active member of the Lewiston-Auburn ski association. He spent many years as a cross country and downhill ski instructor at Lost Valley, where he also served as an assistant ski school director. Other interests included golf, watching sports on TV, and spending time with family.

He was known to his three grandsons as Papa. Rain or shine, the boys could always look to the stands and find him cheering them on. Win or lose, he was right there to give a hug after the game. They were very blessed to have had many years with their Papa. He will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jessica Hatch of Westbrook, daughter Jennifer Genest and husband Mark of Saco, son James and wife Katherine of Westbrook, grandsons Andrew, Christopher, and Matthew Hatch of Westbrook, and sister Marilyn Dunn of Auburn.

A graveside ceremony will be held in the spring.

Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.