Everett Bryant Hatch

Everett Bryant Hatch

Greenfield, MA - Everett Bryant Hatch, 92, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023. "Ev" was the fifth of six children born to Maurice and Mildred Hatch in Arlington, Massachusetts. He was a sociable and curious individual who always took a genuine interest in the people he met. His friendly demeanor and sense of humor made him immensely popular throughout his life.

Although he grew up in the suburbs of Boston, his early interest in farming led him to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Sciences in 1957 from UMass Amherst, where he was also a member of the fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. Later he earned a Master's Degree in Education from UMass.

After working as a foreman at a cattle farm in Pennsylvania, Everett and his young family moved to Greenfield, where he traveled the back roads of the county as an Extension Service Agent, making a positive impact on countless 4H members and their parents. Later, Ev opened a pick-your-own strawberry business called "Hatch's Patch," which became a beloved picking spot in The Meadows. It was not uncommon for Ev, his wife, or his children to run into someone who knew him wherever they went. His popularity allowed him to be easily elected as a County Commissioner for Franklin County, a post he served for 8 years.

In 1958 Ev built his house on Plain Road. He enjoyed judging livestock at many fairs, including the Franklin County, Cummington, and Heath Fairs. For several years he led the parade opening The Franklin County Fair on his tractor. He was also youth hockey referee and a little league coach.

Ev served his community through volunteer and leadership involvement with the Franklin Area Survival Center, the Franklin County Agricultural Society, Greenfield Farmer's Exchange, the Strawberry Growers and Vegetable Growers Associations, First Congregational Church, Rotary, and the YMCA Y's Men. He was also an Election Day Warden at the polls. After retiring, he grew an acre of vegetables each summer to donate to local food pantries.

He was a natural teacher and a supportive mentor to many, sharing farming skills and plant knowledge with his fellow farmers and family. He had great success teaching his millennial grandchildren how to drive, creating lasting memories for Julia Hatch, Evan Hatch, Milo Arnerich-Hatch and Lucy Arnerich-Hatch. They will miss him very much.

He was a devoted husband to his first wife Wendy Hatch (Card) who passed away in 1984, and was the joy of his second wife Janice (Wheeler) Hatch's life.

In addition to his grandchildren and his wife Janice, Everett leaves behind his daughter Karen Hatch and her husband Steven Arnerich, his son William Hatch and his wife Donna (Byrne) Hatch, his brother Ralph Hatch, sister-in-law Virginia Hatch, brother-in-law Richard Wheeler and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ev was remarkable for his ability to connect with others. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

There is no celebration of his life planned at this time. His family asks that no flowers be sent. Instead, please raise a glass of strawberry wine, or a martini, in memory of him.