Vern L. Hatch

Gunnison, Utah - Vern Louis Hatch, age 72, of Gunnison, died November 27, 2007 in a tragic auto accident near Nephi, Utah. He was born December 10, 1935 in Salt Lake City, a son of Louis Spiars and Lillie Eleanor Phillips Hatch. Vern received his GED from Clearfield High School and went to vocational college to become a lineman. He spent many years working for Bountiful Power and Utah Power and Light, where he made many life-long friends. Vern was also certified as an EMT. Vern married the love of his life, Marilyn Gould, March 11, 1955 in Salt Lake City. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Vern and Marilyn were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Annett and Maxine, who felt honored to have such great parents. Vern was a member of the LDS Church where he served for many years in the scouting program and as a member of the CUCF Bishopric. He and his wife, Marilyn, were known as Grandpa and Grandma to those in the Single’s Ward. Vern enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, the mountains and wood working. Those who knew Vern, knew his true virtue was service to others. He served for many years in the Lions Club where he participated in most all activities and was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. He served as a member of the Gunnison City Council and as the irrigation company’s Water Master. He embraced and acknowledged everyone unconditionally and non-judgmental. Within five minutes of knowing Vern, you had a true and best friend. Vern was hard working, able to fix anything, never idle, always productive and had boundless energy. Wherever he went, he left the place better than it was. Vern had a great love and concern for his wife. He made his family’s lives easier and better by his hard work. You could always call on Vern for help and he would willingly, without complaint, come to your aid. Vern was proud of all his grandchildren, of how smart and talented they were. You could often find Vern sitting on the sidelines of a ballgame watching a grandchild play. Vern was known and loved by the children of Gunnison Valley. He spent untold hours bussing them to and from school and their other activities. Vern is survived by his wife, daughters: Annett and Boyd Allred, Maxine Hatch, all of Gunnison; four grandchildren: Hailey Rhen Allred and Morgan Anne Allred of Gunnison; Jordan L. and Alison Mitton; JaNae and Nate Lilly, all of North Salt Lake; sister: June Freeman of Redmond; nieces and nephews: Brent, Cheryl, David, Dale, Lori, Carlene, Terry (deceased), Jerry, Danny, Cheri, Scott, Elizabeth, Lottie, Randy and Debbie. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Tyler Louis Mitton, his parents; a sister, Lillie Maxine Sellars; and a brother-in-law: Carl Freeman. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 at 12 Noon in the Gunnison LDS Stake Center, 80 West Center Street, where friends may call for viewing Sunday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Monday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.