Major Andrew Marshall Hatch Sr., USAF

Andrew (Drew) Hatch passed unexpectedly after complications following surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin, FL. A man of many talents and tremendous curiosity, Drew led a life of adventure and contemplation.
Born in Birmingham, AL to Royal Hatch, Brig. Gen., USAF, of Wellesley, MA and Nancy Beddow Hatch, of Birmingham, AL, Drew attended high school in Washingtonville, NY and earned his bachelor's degree at West Point, class of 1969. Drew was commissioned into the United States Air Force and trained as a navigator, serving in Washington State, the Philippines, Arizona and California. In 1975 his unit was detached to assist in the evacuation of Saigon at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Drew ended his military career at Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, FL where his children, Andrew and Melissa, attended high school.
Drew pursued his many personal interests with great passion after retiring from the Air Force in 1986. Always resourceful and creative, Drew studied art, traveled, engaged in local politics and leant his creativity and optimism to civic projects, including the Fort Walton Beautification Committee. At home he restored an antique Century powerboat and built his family's tennis court.
His interests eventually led him back to flying and to the Mountain West. With his loving partner, Gary Wilkins Brooks and his trusted dog "Lad", Drew established a second home in Colville, WA where he explored the Cascade Mountains in his Cessna taildragger, nicknamed "Blue." He and Gary were active volunteers at the Colville Airport and were instrumental in fostering public use of the Black Water Forest air strip near Milton, FL.
Always devoted to his mother, Drew cared for her until her death in 2015. Not long after, his own struggles with "spinal stenosis" began to slow him down. A deeply spiritual person, Drew was always there for those in need. His light-hearted attitude brightened many days and kindled friendships wherever he touched down.
Andrew is survived by his life partner, Gary; his son, Andrew Jr. (and wife Jamie); his daughter Melissa Carder; his granddaughters Jaiden, Alivia, Chloe and Megan; and his grandson Craig. A private memorial will be held in Colville, WA at a later date. Donations to Drew's memory can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center by submitting to www.donate.splcenter.org or mailing to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.