Michael Timothy Hatch

Michael Timothy Hatch, 63, went home to join the big party in the sky on the evening of January 23rd, 2016, surrounded by the infinite love of God and his family. Mike was born to Tommie Ann and Tim Hatch on January 25th, 1952 in Lubbock, Texas. He graduated from Coronado High School in 1970 and set his sights on the University of Texas at Austin. There, he stayed true to his west Texas roots and graduated in 1974 as a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the Texas Cowboys. On May 10th, 1975, Mike married his high school sweetheart Marti Leigh McClain Hatch and they began building a loving home and family in Austin. Together, they brought three beautiful sons into the world: Timothy, Martin, and James. Mike and Marti loved each other and their children deeply until the time of her passing from breast cancer in 2001. In 2006, Mike again found love in his second wife, Sharon, who brought with her two more sons into his loving and guiding arms, Vincent and Christian. His epic love for her became an example to all five of their boys and many others as well: daily love notes and Starbucks, fresh flowers replacing every bunch that wilted, and the commitment to work through every part of their relationship honestly, humbly, and transparently. Their beautiful, blended family became his and Sharon's greatest accomplishment together. With Sharon's partnership, Mike continued his work in the AA/recovery community. Together, they also continued his commitment to giving back to the community at large in as many ways as possible. The family had long been taught that the best part about being successful is the opportunity to give it all back. Mike gave back in many ways; whether it was money, resources, wisdom, or experience, the gift of giving was Mike's greatest joy. From an early age, Mike had a very strong work ethic and devoted his life to serving God and providing for his family. Although he enjoyed immense success as an entrepreneur, he remained a humble man whose proudest accomplishments were his family and the countless lives he impacted through his service work in the community. Mike was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and would have celebrated his 30th year of sobriety on January 25th. Through this program, Mike was able to touch many lives and help others on their path to recovery. He was a natural leader with a personality and smile that took over any room he entered. By all who knew him, Mike is most remembered and revered for his fearless honesty and authenticity. He was absolutely committed to being genuine and true to his heart in every moment of his life. This is clear to all those who had even the shortest encounter with Mike, as his message was consistent and unwavering, and often expressed through his quick-witted bits of wisdom that he would share with anyone in earshot: "there is a God and you're not it", "it takes what it takes and you'll know when you know", "hard work and honesty are the keys to success", "take it to the hole!", and a personal favorite of many: "God loves you and I love you, just the way you are." Mike truly loved life and cherished every minute of it. He sang loud, he loved to laugh, and he was never afraid to cry. He was always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave, because he treated dancing as a celebration of life and he wanted to celebrate any time there was music on (and often when there wasn't). This passion for life became a beacon of strength, joy and hope to everyone around him. Through living this example, Mike became a magnet for the sick, broken-hearted, and anyone who just needed a friend. Over time, he came to believe and understand that his divine calling and mission in life was to serve all those in need, within the recovery community and beyond. Even as his health declined, Mike stayed true to his message of love, gratitude, and grace. In the final week of his life, Mike danced, he sang, he smiled, he told his family how much he and God loved them, and he attended meetings to share his experience, strength, and hope with others in recovery. He lived his truth, unwavering, until his final breath. Mike is survived by his wife Sharon Hatch and his five sons: James, Tim and wife Allison, Martin and wife Natalie and their son Michael Owen, Vincent Seidl, and Christian Seidl; his brothers: Alan and wife Jennie (and their five kids), Les and wife Mindy (and their two kids); and parents Tommie Ann and Timothy. A memorial ceremony will be held at the Pecan Grove Pavilion at The Salt Lick, 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, Texas, 78619, on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 11am with a potluck reception following in the same location until 4pm. Due to Mike's fondness for burnt orange, pajama pants, and hawaiian shirts, we request casual attire for the ceremony. Sharon and the boys have decided they would like to create a charitable foundation to preserve Mike's legacy. While it will take some time to get all of the documentation in place, they ask that people consider making memorial donations to this in lieu of flowers. All proceeds from this effort will go to charities and causes that were near and dear to Mike's heart. Checks need to made payable to Sharon Hatch and sent to Grand Bank of Texas, P. O. Box 4267, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 where they will be transferred to the foundation account once it is established.