David Hatcher
January 18, 1939 ~ July 25, 2023
David HATCHER (aka The Foreman) passed away on Tuesday July 25, 2023, at the age of 84 1/2.
Originally from Washington, New Jersey, Dave grew up in Southern California, moving to Indiana 10 years ago.
Survived by Sylvia, his wife of 53 ½ years, his daughter Liz Sineath (Rick), grandchildren Stephanie (John), Dallas, Erika & RJ and great grandsons Khyler, Aiden, Luke, & Jace. Brother Richard (Dawn) Aldava and nephews Chuck (Bev) & Patrick Hatcher, Barry Katz (Susan), niece Ronni Martin (Charlie) and Brother-in-Law Ron Olinger (Lyndi) and additional other loving family members. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles & Terance.
Trained by the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, he continued herding airplanes with the FAA for over 33 years. He was able to work in various exotic locations around the country including Kona, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. He enjoyed retirement by sailing, fishing, RV travel and MANY, MANY hobbies. He leaves a large circle of many friends and is and will be missed by all.
Condolences (4)
Julianna Frank (Schwartz)
My thoughts are with you. A dad’s love is forever. He will be watching over you.
Laura Martin-Rake
I’ve had the pleasure to have Dave & Sylvia as neighbors for many years now. Dave always had a tool to make any task easier. I always marveled at his many talents. He was always creating something beautiful. He had an open mind and heart, and a generosity of spirit. He is deeply missed.
Ken Edwards
Mr. Hatcher was a friend of my parents when I was a young child in Hawaii. I recall him introducing me to seashell collecting and snorkeling. Several years later, I stayed with the family for a summer in Florida and Mr. Hatcher taught me how to throw a cast net, fish, hunt for clams and work on cars. It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do. After high school, I already had an interest in aviation, but it was Mr. Hatcher that likely influenced my decision to become an air traffic controller like him. He took the time to meet with me and give me an assessment of what to expect out of my new career. Sometimes you can influence someone’s life far greater than you could know and it’s safe to say that the Hatcher family has had impact on me. Here’s to the original Frito Bandito. I hope he finds the best sea shell collection ever!
Don Davis
This photo was taken mid 6000 mile trip aboard the sailing vessel Eclipse on our trip from Kwajalein Atoll Marshall back to Bellingham Washington. 40 days and 40 nights at sea. This was only one of many trips Dave and I made together. A true friend at sea and during my flying career. I will miss you my friend, rest in peace!