BOWDOIN — Harland Hatch, 90, died June 20.
He was born in Bath on April 12, 1924, the oldest child of Oscar and Elizabeth Freeman Hatch. He was educated in the Bowdoin schools and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1941. His college education was interrupted after his sophomore year by World War II and service in the Army Signal Corps, where he reached the rank of sergeant. Among other places, he was stationed at Camp Crowder, Missouri, where he met his future wife.
He was later stationed in New Guinea and was a member of the occupation forces in Japan. After his service, he returned to college and in June 1948, and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono. He was licensed as a professional engineer, land surveyor, and water systems operator.
On June 30, 1948, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Meyer, of Stark City, Missouri. After a year in Houlton, they settled in Bowdoin where they raised three children. Hatch was employed as a civil engineer in Lewiston, retiring as city engineer in 1985. He served his community in different capacities, acting as moderator at Bowdoin town meetings for over 25 years, serving several terms on the School Board, and holding various offices for the Hix-Small Cemetery Association. He also taught Sunday school and was a deacon in his church. His greatest joys were in serving and giving to others. In his younger years, he could often be found using his tractor to mow hay, haul or saw wood, or plow for family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Elizabeth Hatch; and by two brothers, Freeman and Walton Hatch.
He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Dorothy Hatch; children, Stephen Hatch and wife, SonYe, of Augusta, David Hatch and Gwenda Hatch, both of Bowdoin; sister, Constance Carver; sisters and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bowdoin Fire and Rescue, 10 Cornish Drive, Bowdoin, ME 04287 or CHANS Home Health Care, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011.
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