Brian Hatcher

1966 - 2022

Brian Hatcher
March 13, 1966 - March 10, 2022
Santa Cruz
Brian passed away three days before his 56th birthday after a long and difficult illness, but nonetheless lived a rich and full life. He was born in Placerville and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School and Chico State. With his wife of nearly 25 years Luisa, they raised their three sons Jared, Rory, and Travis in Santa Cruz. His wife and children were a continual source of pride and love. He was a proud officer of the Santa Cruz Police Department where he always sought to find the balance of toughness and compassion needed to best serve his community. Brian, Luisa, and their sons enjoyed adventure with trips to Hawaii, Newport Beach, Disneyland, and their beloved Mt. Shasta. Brian was always up for a round of golf with his father, brother, and brothers in blue. He loved all things outdoors including fishing, bike rides and summer camping trips to Big Sur with his boys. He is remembered for his love of cooking big holiday meals and neighborhood dinners.
Brian suffered a catastrophic cardiac event which resulted in his retirement from the PD after 18 years. He was able to continue to pursue his interests for a number of years. Personality and behavioral changes resulted in a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia. FTD is a less common form of dementia but strikes in younger ages than Alzheimers. It was a devastating diagnosis. We are forever indebted to family, neighbors, and friends whose kindness and generosity helped to shoulder this heavy load. His family extends gratitude to the physicians and staff at PAMF and Dominican Hospital, and the Santa Cruz Police Department. Deepest appreciation to Kiesha and the staff at Fair Oaks Estates in Carmichael for keeping him safe and cared for in the last weeks of his life.
Brian is survived by his wife and sons, mother Barbara Jenson, siblings Doug and Nancy, father Travis Hatcher, and his loss is mourned by extended relatives from the Hatcher, Kelly, and Jenson families. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Any desired donations in his memory can be made to the Santa Cruz PD Fallen Officers Fund or any animal welfare organization. Our hearts ache for this loss but we are comforted that he is now at peace and able to be greeted by his beloved dogs, friends, and family waiting for him in Heaven.


View the online memorial for Brian Hatcher