Johannes Hendrik "John" Hattingh

1925 - 2010

In loving memory of John Hattingh, 85, who passed away peacefully September 1, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born April 20, 1925 in the Province of Natal, Cape Town, South Africa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isabella Wilke Wright and Barnabus Hattingh (Cape Town), brother, James Hattingh, (Walvis Bay, Namibia) and sister, Iris Luman (Cape Town). John grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. In his teenage years, he joined the Merchant Marines. While working for Pacific Island Transportation Lines on the Norwegian freighter, Thorsile, John met Lorelei "Dolly" Williamson, and together they sailed around the world in the early 1950s. On September 13, 1955, John and Dolly were married at the Norwegian Seamen's Church in San Pedro, CA, and settled in his wife's hometown of Redondo Beach, where he remained a resident for 55 years. While continuing to raise his family in the South Bay, he often traveled to South Africa to visit, forever keeping his homeland close at heart. John was a loving husband, father and grandpa. Survived by his wife, Dolly (married 55 years); his children, Tracy Hattingh (Rob) of Portland, OR, Andrea Kaulupali (Israel) of Maui, HI, Renee McPherson (Scott) of Tampa, FL and Jon-Erik Hattingh, Hermosa Beach, CA; five grandchildren, Leslie Hattingh, Brian Hattingh (Corinne), Kelly McPherson, Andrew McPherson and Rachel Rivas; two great-granddaughters, Lauren Lorick and Heather Hattingh. He is also survived by his older sister, Joan Strong (Cape Town). "Uncle John" will be greatly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews in South Africa, Australia, and around the world. John was a "one-of-a-kind" carpenter for 35 years before retiring from Redondo Local 1478. After retiring, he spent many years volunteering as the field manager for Redondo Sunset Youth Baseball organization at Alta Vista Park (long live the orange truck). John appreciated a good meal, especially a nice breakfast or Indian curry dishes. He was an enthusiast of the lottery (scratchers and quick picks). John enjoyed watching Seinfeld episodes every evening with his wife. He was an avid sports fan. He was a Springbok Rugby supporter, attended countless Redondo Union High School athletic events, as well as rooting for his hometown Dodgers and Lakers. At his request, no services were held. A family celebration of his life was held on September 3, 2010 at his favorite restaurant, Classic Burger in Redondo Beach. We will miss his wonderful smile, kindness, generosity and ever present sense of humor. We love you forever "chief". Please sign the guestbook at www.lafuneral.com.