Ira Clark Hatch

Tremonton - Our Husband, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and friend, Ira Bill Clark Hatch, 83, passed on peacefully at home January 21, 2007. He was given the name Ira, but early on his sister Etta never liked his given name and anointed him Bill, and that's how we all know him. He was born February 27, 1923 in Orem, Utah to Ira Starns and Alba Marshall Hatch. He grew up in the hills of Bingham Canyon where his Father worked the mines until a mining accident and ill health made it difficult to provide for his family. Bill quickly stepped into the role of main provider for the family at the ripe age of 13. He was up at 3:00 a. m. every morning to climb the steep Bingham hills and deliver the morning milk for the miners. He eventually worked at Kennecott open pit mine before joining the Army in January 1943. He made the rank of Tech Sergeant and was a radar operator in New Guinea during the war. After the war he returned to work in Tooele at the Army Depot where he met and married Betty Heidenreich. They began their family in Tooele with the birth of their first child and later moved to Midvale, Utah where the rest of the family of four boys and two girls were born. Through the years Bill worked as a sheep herder, butcher, appliance sales/repairman before buying a laundry and dry cleaning business in Layton. There he and Betty stayed for many years raising their family of seven children. In 1971 he and Betty took a leap and purchased the Sandman and Marble Motels in Tremonton. He slowly expanded the motels and business until today owning and operating four motels in Utah. Bill loved the town and people of Tremonton. He found the place where he could gain and nurture many friendships. He loved being a Tremonton Fireman and the reward of helping others in need. The camaraderie and friendship of his fellow fireman had a profound influence in Bills life. During his nearly 32 years as a Tremonton Fireman, Bill was quick to respond to emergency calls and so proud to be a member of the department. He eventually made Captain in the department and always looked forward to the weekly meetings and yearly steak fries. Bill was deeply affected by the loss of two of his four sons, Billy in 1975, and Randy in 1996. It was during these painful times that Bill was so grateful for the support and friendship of his fellow firemen. Bill served on the Tourism Committee for many years and was always active in the concerns and growth of the Tremonton Community he so loved. He is a member of the L.D.S. church.
We will remember him as a loving husband and Father. As hard as he worked, he always made time to have fun with family and friends. He loved spending as much time as possible at the family cabin in Logan Canyon where he could ride horses, snow mobile, ride four wheelers and win at just about any card game. He also loved hunting, fishing even with seven kids always needing help with hooks, snagged lines, bait, etc., golf, and skiing. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters: Kris Swenson, Colleyna Danler, Koreann Rael, and sons Scott and Monte. We will miss you so much.
A funeral service will be held Friday, January 26, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Tremonton South Stake Center, 1150 South Tremont St, Tremonton, Utah with Bishop Jay Zundel officiating. Family and friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2007 at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton, Utah and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the stake center. Interment at Tremonton Riverview Cemetery.
The family suggests donations be made to Hospice.