GERALD G. HATCH

GERALD G. HATCH, D.Sc, C.M. July 30, 1922 - June 9, 2014 Passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 9, 2014. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sheila Pamela (Baillie) Hatch in 2003. Lovingly remembered by his four children and their families: Linda Javorski and her children Steve (Ania), Michael and Karen; Doug (Louise Ménard) and their children David, Andrew, Laura and Ryan; Chris (Michelle) and their children Rachael O'Toole (Eddie), Andrea, Erica and Dani; and Joan (Jordan Furlong) and their children Claire and Thomas. Gerry was born on July 30, 1922 in Brockville, Ontario. Gerry's father died when he was five years old and he spent his early school years living on his grandparents' dairy farm in Southeastern Ontario. He moved to Montreal for his high school and university education. Gerry graduated with honours in Metallurgical Engineering from McGill University in 1944 and worked for a year at Shawinigan Water and Power Company. In the fall of 1945, he began graduate studies in thermo chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He graduated with a Doctor of Science in 1948. While at McGill, in the fall of 1942, Gerry met Sheila Baillie, a bright first-year architecture student. They married in 1946. Sheila was the wise and gentle partner with whom Gerry built his professional and family lives. Upon graduation from MIT, Gerry worked as Research Engineer for the Armour Research Foundation in Chicago. In 1952, the family moved to Sorel, Quebec, where Gerry was first Research Director and then Plant Manager at Quebec Iron and Titanium's new ilmenite smelter. By the fall of 1957, Gerry perceived a growing need for a comprehensive engineering firm in Canada. He met with W.S. Atkins, the head of a large consulting engineering firm in the UK and in January 1958, became President of W.S. Atkins & Associates Ltd. in Toronto. Starting with just five employees, the firm quickly developed projects with Stelco, ongoing management consulting work with QIT, Falconbridge and Noranda and tunnelling work for the Toronto Transit Commission on the University Avenue subway. In 1964, Gerry purchased the company from W.S. Atkins and set up a system of employee ownership. The company became known as Hatch Associates Ltd. and subsequently, HATCH Ltd. Gerry built and grew the company with a focus on innovative technical solutions combined with detailed design and project management functions, with an emphasis on client service beyond the end of a project. Gerry retired as President in 1988 and as Chairman in 1990. Today, HATCH Ltd. is a global consulting firm with more than 11,000 employees in 65 offices on six continents. In retirement, Gerry served on numerous boards and committees and supported several institutions and initiatives. He was especially proud of his technical and philanthropic associations with the Faculties of Engineering at McGill University and McMaster University, as well as his association with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). Upon moving to Toronto, Gerry and Sheila settled in central Etobicoke. Gerry enjoyed playing golf and tennis and was a longtime member of St. George's Golf and Country Club, The Boulevard Club and the Badminton and Racquet Club. Gerry and Sheila enjoyed many years at their vacation home at John's Island in Vero Beach, Florida. Gerry was honoured to receive a number of awards and citations, including: the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Past President's Medal (1961); the CIM Airey Award (1986); the CIM Inco Award (1988); an Honourary Doctor of Science from McGill University (1990); a CIM Fellowship (1992); the Professional Engineers of Ontario Gold Medal (1994); an Honourary Doctor of Science from McMaster University (1997); Membership in the Order of Canada (1997); induction into The Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (1998); and induction into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame (2011). Gerry's final years brought a number of health challenges, which he faced with characteristic determination. Throughout his life, Gerry was a strong proponent of the power of positive thinking and a belief that problems were there to be solved. Family and colleagues alike well remember hearing the importance of "doing your homework." The family wishes to thank the many health professionals who cared for him, particularly Dr. Allen Zee and Dr. Anthony Lang. The family is deeply appreciative of the personal care provided by many loving and caring people in Gerry's final years: Maria Clara Guevarra, Filippa Cudmore, Liza Darauay, Lynda Manuel, Vivien Altez and Marites Delos Santos. Visitation at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W. (east of Jane subway), will take place on Sunday, June 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. George's- on-the-Hill Anglican Church, 4600 Dundas St. W., Islington, on Monday, June 16th at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at St. George's Golf and Country Club, 1668 Islington Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Movement Disorders Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital, the CNIB or a charity of your choice.