Hatch


Kenneth
M. Hatch

By David Hatch

Kenneth M. Hatch of Newport, Oregon, was born October 16, 1922, to Nick K. Hatch and Hattie M. Hatch, in Unalaska, Alaska and passed on in his home in Newport, Oregon on April 18, 2010.

When he was five he moved to Florence, Oregon, where he attended grade school and high school. He entered Oregon State College in 1940, where his ROTC unit was called to active duty in 1943. While in the service, he was selected to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1947.

During an Army career, he obtained an MS Degree in Civil Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, participated in the Korean war where he was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and other decorations. During the Vietnam War he commanded an engineer construction group in Thailand where he received the Legion of Merit. He retired from the service in 1970 as a full colonel, and worked in Eugene as a professional engineer until 1981.

He married Althea Mendenhall of Summit, New Jersey, in 1949, and they enjoyed raising a family of four children. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Herbert, and by his wife of over 50 years. He is survived by a son David Hatch of Portland, Oregon; a son Keith Hatch of Ridgefield, Washington, and a daughter Aileen Frey of Eagle, Idaho, and by six grandchildren.

He moved to Newport in 1985, where in retirement he enjoyed boating, fishing, and wood carving. At various times he volunteered at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon Coast Community College, and as a driver for the Meals-on-Wheels. He was a member of the American Legion, the Retired Officers of the Emerald Empire, and the Army Engineer Association.

At the decedents request, no services will take place. Disposition will be by cremation, and the ashes will be placed at sea.