Norris "Frank" Hatfield Jr.

Norris "Frank" Hatfield Jr. obituary, Redding, CA

Norris "Frank" Hatfield Jr.

Norris Hatfield Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 21 to Mar. 8, 2020.
Norris Franklin Hatfield Jr

October 21, 1925 – February 9, 2020

Frank Hatfield, one of San Francisco's colorful and remarkable characters, died at California Veterans home in Redding on Feb 9. He was 94.
Frank was a native Californian and third cousin twice removed from Devil Anse Hatfield of the legendary Hatfield and McCoy feud. He joined the Navy on his 17th birthday, shipped out to Australia, got malaria in New Guinea and later joined the USS Nashville, which participated in landings at Morotai and Leyete. On Dec.13, 1944, Frank was aboard when a kamikaze hit the Nashville killing over 130 crew members.
He moved to New York City in the early 1950s, married Patricia Butler and the couple had 3 daughters. His PTSD was undiagnosed until much later in his life, however it proved challenging to family life. He divorced in 1961.
Frank returned to sea life as a Merchant Marine, shipped out to Greenland, and traveled throughout Europe, Africa, South America and Indonesia. He was an amateur photographer, whose immaculate penmanship reflected his keen interest in numbers, words, letters, Chinese characters, puzzles, currency, fire arms, science and weeds. He took delight in small, subtle things such as dandelions growing through cracks in the sidewalks. He could say "butterfly" in over 70 languages.
For over 40 years Frank rented an 11-by-11 foot flat atop a Sansome St. hotel, sleeping on a mat at night and exploring the City by day. In a 2014 photo profile, the Chronicle's Mike Kepka spent the day with him. "When he leaves for the day - bags in hand and dressed in khaki, with the cuffs and collar removed for added comfort - he seems free. Though he keeps to himself at the hotel, he'll talk to almost anybody about any subject when he goes outside."
A medical marvel, Frank twice beat terminal cancer diagnoses in the 1980s by taking high doses of Vitamin C. "Me, at 88, I should have been dead a dozen times. Once I stop moving, my whole way of life will change." he told Kepka.
Above all else Frank was a people person who loved walking the streets, telling stories and socializing in coffee houses at The Ferry Building and Chinatown. He was strappingly tall, good looking and easy going with a curious nature and eclectic personality who is survived by three daughters and will be greatly missed.

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

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August 13, 2022

Ken Puccini posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2020

Serena Bardell posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2020

Jill Cobb posted to the memorial.

Ken Puccini

August 13, 2022

We always look forward to seeing Frank. He would come to our grocery store in the marina and replace the lightbulbs when we needed help. It was no easy feat because we have 20 foot ceilings. Frank was nice and tall and was very limber in his Birkenstocks. Always loved our conversations with him. Sure wish we could´ve had lunch in the last several years we lost touch with him. God bless you Frank, we won´t forget you. A beautiful person living life to the fullest
Prayers for your family

Serena Bardell

March 2, 2020

Can't remember when I first met Frank, 40 or 50 years ago, but we were always happy to renew our acquaintance when our paths crossed. He was a quintessential part of what made North Beach so special to so many. Rest in Peace. I'll miss you.

Jill Cobb

March 1, 2020

Frank will be missed by those who knew him. His greatest accomplishment was his 3 daughters who reflect an undying optimistic, joyful and adventurous
outlook on life.

Ruth Amernick

February 27, 2020

Frank was a great library user at SF Public Library. He was so smart, loved people,well read, loved gardening (and weeds), curious and funny. I'll miss him and his phone calls.
My condolences to his daughters.
I was so lucky to have known Frank. RIP
Ruth Amernick

February 26, 2020

Thank you for your service, Frank.

Nancy Kline

February 21, 2020

So sorry to hear of your dad's death. Wish I had known him as he sounds like a fascinating and very independent man. I can soo some of that in Susan - though I don't know Vivian well - some in her also. And I assume Victoria(?) also? At any rate I send my sympathy and my prayers to you all.
Nancy Kline

Sally Davies

February 21, 2020

Your father led an interesting life. I am glad you could share these last years with him. The Obituary was very nice.

Shela Xoregos

February 21, 2020

He was an important person in my life and I miss our telephone conversations. Shela Xoregos

Diane Quon

February 21, 2020

Thinking about the Hatfield family and sisters especially. Love to you all and your father. Such beautiful words! ❤❤❤

Bonnie Pollan

February 21, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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Sign Norris Hatfield's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 13, 2022

Ken Puccini posted to the memorial.

March 2, 2020

Serena Bardell posted to the memorial.

March 1, 2020

Jill Cobb posted to the memorial.