Robert McConnell Hatch

1910 - 2009

The Rt. Rev Robert McConnell Hatch died on July 16, 2009, in Louisville, Colo., where he had lived for the last five years. He was the fourth Episcopal bishop of Western Massachusetts, and during his tenure helped establish new missions, support the civil rights movement and was actively involved in many environmental causes. Born in New York City in 1910, he was a graduate of St. Mark's School in Southboro, Mass., Harvard University, earned a master's degree in history at Columbia University, and graduated from the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Mass. He received three honorary degrees. After retirement, he served as interim in Berlin, N.H., as a volunteer at Hospice, and was a member of the NH Bicentennial Commission. He also wrote two books related to the American War for Independence. In 2005, Bishop Hatch was adopted by Chief Robert StrongBear Bates of Millville into the Bear River band of the Cherokee, and given the name Faithful Eagle. He was married to Helen Crocker Addison who preceded him in death in 1998. He leaves two daughters, Martha Hatch Balph of Millville, Utah, and Louise Cass of Lafayette, Colo.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, as well as a caring friend and pastor. Memorial services will be held at St. John's Church in Boulder, Colo., the Randolph Church in Randolph, N.H., and a family memorial service in Millville in September. Donations may go to the World Wildlife Fund.