Obituary of Gerald William Hatch

July 2, 1950 – Shellbrook, Saskatchewan

November 29, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Gerry Hatch, beloved husband of Joanne Hatch (nee Blechinger), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the age of 72 years.

Gerry was born in Shellbrook, SK, on July 2, 1950. He moved to Calgary, AB in 1968 and married Joanne in 1974.

He began working for Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas soon after moving to Calgary, beginning in the mail room, and working his way up to senior accounting. While working, he also pursued his CMA in accounting and graduated in 1976. Gerry subsequently worked at Dome Petroleum, Amoco, Mirant, Reliant Energy, and other smaller companies. Gerry volunteered with the White Hat Volunteer Program at the Calgary Airport. In recent years, he also volunteered with the United Church Food Bank.

Gerry loved music and played saxophone with Westwind’s Music Society. He also enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music. He loved to read, especially science fiction and fantasy novels. Gerry had a great sense of humour. He loved comedy in books and on screen, and his hearty laugh will always be remembered. Gerry loved to travel and had particularly fond memories of a trip with Joanne to New Zealand, and Australia. Gerry also enjoyed walking in Fish Creek Park. He was always eager for adventures, and one of the most memorable was going skydiving. His fondest moments were spending time with family. He loved his children and playing with his grandchildren.

Besides his loving wife, Gerry is survived by his son Jon and daughter-in-law Sandra, of Okotoks, AB; son Rick and daughter-in-law Bonnie, of Penticton, BC; daughter Jillian and son-in-law Steve, of Calgary, AB; and five grandchildren, Jacob, Anna, Sarah, Emmeline, and Quinn.

Gerry is also survived by his numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Bev, Bea and Jim, Dick and Diana, Glen and Val, Judy and Brian, Leonard, Ron, Gary, Doug, Bonnie and Dan; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents Bill, and May Hatch; sisters Gina, and Flo; brother Bob, sisters-in-law Marie, and Kim; and nephews Shaun, and Ryan.   

A Celebration of Gerry's Life will be held at McInnis and Holloway (Fish Creek Hospitality Centre, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary AB) on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the local food bank in your area.

In living memory of Gerry Hatch, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.