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GEORGE HATCH Obituary

George Clinton Hatch 1919 ~ 2009 On Sunday, August 30, George Clinton Hatch died peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old. In his passing, he left his children, grandchildren, and great-grand-children a legacy to share with all Americans. Through family ownership of KUTV television, KALL radio, the Ogden Standard Examiner and other communications media, George sought to preserve Utah's remarkable red rock wildlands, to champion social justice, and to give voice to important issues in the West.George began his broadcasting career at radio station KLO in Ogden. He was a pioneer in the development of radio, television and cable TV industries. In 1945, he moved to Salt Lake City to build KALL radio. He later acquired TV station KUTV Channel 2. He launched the Intermountain Network which grew to include over 90 radio station affiliates. In 1968 he co-founded Telecommunications, Inc., which ultimately became the largest cable TV company in the U.S. George's belief that communication businesses must serve their communities inspired those who worked with and for him. Through newspaper editorials, broadcast documentaries and news reports, he and his wife Gene fought to preserve Utah's great and beautiful canyon country for future generations. They worked with Senator Moss and many other Utah leaders to establish Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks, expand the borders of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and create Antelope Island State Park. George was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1919. He married Wilda Gene Glasmann on December 24, 1940. He is survived by his five children, Michael Arnow, Orlando, FL; Diane Orr, Salt Lake City; Jeffrey Hatch (Peggy), Salt Lake City; Randall Hatch (Ann), Salt Lake City; Deepika Ogsbury (Carlos), Boulder, CO; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grand-children. The family is grateful for the kindness extended by George's doctor, Dr. Cherie Brunker, longtime friends Bill and Donna Vogel, and his caregivers, Rawlin and Marcia Pinkerman. Memorial Services to celebrate George's life will be held in the Memorial Building at Memory Grove on Sunday, September 13 at 3 p.m. Following the service old friends are invited to visit and reminisce.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Sep. 3 to Sep. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE HATCH

24 Entries

Marty Austin

September 22, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mark Eubank

September 18, 2009

Hatch family
Your dad was a doer with a vision. He was creative and innovative and not afraid to take a chance. We loved our association with George and learned much from him. The Christmas cards showing far flung places visited was always a treat.
Our admiration, respect and love,

Mark & Jean Eubank & family

Christine Hatch

September 14, 2009

radio, cable
T.V. visionary 2
rest beneath red rock

Marcia & Rawlin Pinkerman

September 13, 2009

Dear Hatch family
It was a great honor to care for your father, we were blessed to have George in our lives. We love George very much and we will be forever greateful for his life and the countless things he did for us and we will always have him in ours hearts. Dear Friend George we miss you deeply. With all our love for you and your family.
Marcia and Rawlin Pinkerman and baby Zack

Eliot Brinton

September 13, 2009

Dear Randy, Ann and Hatch Family,
What a great heritage your fine father has left to you and your family, to the State of Utah, and to the media!
I enjoyed seeing him in my visits to the family home while we were growing up together, and I love seeing his great qualities in you and your children.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss,
Love,
Eliot and Bethany Brinton and family

elizabeth hammond

September 13, 2009

Dear Hatch Family,
I remember growing up in your home as much as my own. Many happy memories of your parents and their constant desire to make the world better....Liz Hale Hammond

Carolyn Campbell

September 9, 2009

Dear Jeff,

I remember vividly the opportunity that I had to interview your father for a new local magazine called "Profiles." I remember being highly impressed by his achievements, accomplishments and credentials. I remember how patient he was with me and how he took time to answer my questions and explain things to me. I remember needing to call him a couple of times after the interview and how he always made sure I received the information I needed. I also remember interviewing his associates and how highly they spoke of him and his accomplishments. Most vividly, I remember the kind letter he wrote to me after the article was published, and how his praise of my work absolutely thrilled me. I was also thrilled that he signed the letter with his first name, "George,"as if we were actual acquaintances. I remember another phrase that thrilled me, when he complimented "the vitality of your report" in referring to my article. The letter really gave me a lift and I recall it clearly to this day. Thinking of the letter gives me the courage to keep pursuing my writing. I can relate to your current experience in that I also lost my father this year, on March 23. My heart goes out to you at this time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. May your memories of your father bring you comfort at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Campbell

Susan Mead

September 8, 2009

As the widow of a former KUTV employee - Bobby Smith, I have many wonderful memories of the 20 plus years Bobby was a member of the KUTV family. I am grateful for the contributions George and his family have given to the news media, not only in the Intermountain West, but that spilled over the world. Many good news people started at KUTV and moved upwards. George's encouragement enable many people to grow and expand their horizons. The entire Hatch family was always considerate and generous with their time and friendship. My deepest condolences at this time of loss. May George's legacy continue to thrive through the lives of all those he touched, taught, and encouraged.

Suzy (Smith) Mead

Kent Jasperson

September 8, 2009

Dear Jeff, Randy, Diane, Michael, Deepika and family, I extend my deepest sympathies. Every time I think of your father I think of the years of loving care that he provided to your mother. What a great example to all of us.

Simon Chen

September 7, 2009

Dear Jeff, Diane, Randy and family, my deepest sympathies to you and your families on the passing away of George Hatch. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Take care. Simon Chen

September 7, 2009

Dear Family, We extend our sympathy to you at this difficult time. In addition to his tremendous contribution to communications, banking, politics and community service, he was quietly generous and kind beyond belief. Together with Gene, they blessed the lives of countless people, protected the beauty of Utah, and raised a wonderful family. May the Lord bless you and their memory.

Steve and Pat Boyden

FRED SCOTT

September 6, 2009

DIANE, JEFF, RANDY AND FAMILY---MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER AND MY PRAYERS AND AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

Scott Matheson, Jr.

September 5, 2009

George Hatch was a very astute and effective business leader and blazed trails in the media industry. He and Gene were very community minded and worked for the benefit of our state. They extended friendship and kindnesses to our family, who send deep condolences to the Hatches.

Brian Moss

September 4, 2009

The Family of Frank E. and Phyllis Moss wish to extend our deepest sympathies to your family in the passing of your father. We recognize and honor the close friendship and association your parents shared with our father and mother for many many years. We believe much good for the State of Utah came out of their common love for the great state of Utah.
The Frank E. Moss Family

September 4, 2009

George was a dear friend. I will miss him very much.
Don Sbarra (Wichita KS)

Brent Hall

September 4, 2009

I started at KUTV in 1974 when Mr. Hatch knew all his employees. He hired management leaders such as Reid Carpenter, Dick Crookston, Rick Spratling, Mike Youngren, and Bob Temple. These people turned KUTV into the news leader with prominent anchors Doug Mitchell, Randall Carlisle, and Michelle King. KUTV News rivaled newscasts in both New York and Los Angeles. I truly enjoyed the 25 years I was employed by KUTV. Thank you Mr. Hatch.

David Hunter

September 4, 2009

My condolences on the passing of Mr. Hatch. I was an employee of KALL Radio from 1962 to 1972 and worked in Master Control for the Intermountain Network. I remember my days with KALL fondly, and enjoyed working with George. He was a very competent business man and a wonderful employer. I was saddened to hear of his passing. God bless him and his family.

Colleen Malouf

September 4, 2009

Dear Jeff and family. I was saddened at the passing of your Father. I was part of the early George Hatch era at KUTV via my Uncle Ray Fadel. Even my college days didn't prepare me for the excitement of the communications fraternity on Social Hall Avenue. George had great vision to venture into the new enterprise - television.
They practiced using me on camera, but being a woman was still a handicap. The George Hatch family business set a good example for the industry. Thanks and prayers to you all.

Twinkle Chisholm

September 3, 2009

OK, Mike Youngren... as usual I cannot top what you said. Upward and onward George. Love, Twinkle

Mike Youngren

September 3, 2009

Upward and onward.
It must be five o'clock somewhere.
Rest in peace Mr. Hatch.

Ken Verdoia

September 3, 2009

I am one of many who was part of the Hatch media family during a portion of my career. His was a powerful and progressive voice in post-WWII Utah...and reminder of the many good things accomplished when media outlets were owned locally. My best wishes to the family, knowing many memories will comfort you.

Dennis Guiver

September 3, 2009

Diane and Jeff: So sorry to see the passing of your father and my former employer and mentor. My deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

Katharine Biele

September 3, 2009

A great man. Many difficult decisions, especially in the '80s. I hope you all save the good memories and can see the character he built in each of you. My deepest sympathies.

Jim Platt

September 3, 2009

I worked for George, oh so many years ago, and it was a treat to support someone so giving of great leadership. I would hope he might be able to link together a network in the sky, linking all the "believers" into one common heaven... God bless.

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