Gary's Life Sketch

Basic structure written by David & Melissa Hatch and Geoff Hatch, "fleshed out" by me, and read at Gary's funeral by his sister, Deanna Trump.
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Gary Layne Hatch was born on September 15, 1964 in Salt Lake City, Utah to LaRelle J Hatch and Jacqueline Deanna Roberts. He grew up in South Jordan, Utah where he attended Westvale Elementary, Bingham Jr. High, and Bingham High School. In high school Gary was very involved in debate and was the state debate champion with his friend Craig Thulin. He was Senior Class President and a Sterling Scholar.

Gary earned the prestigious Kimball scholarship to BYU and began attending in the fall of 1982, where he met AnneMarie Henrichsen. They attended the BYU 13th Ward, had several classes together, and became friends. He was called to serve an LDS mission in Copenhagen, Denmark from October 1983-October 1985. He was a dedicated missionary and learned so much from those he worked with while in Denmark.

Gary and AnneMarie reconnected after his mission and quickly became close. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona temple on May 31, 1986.

After graduating from BYU in 1988, he received a Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 1992. He accepted a job as a Professor of English at BYU and has held several administrative positions there, including Composition Office Coordinator and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education. He was awarded the Alcuin Fellowship for contributions to General Education and the Karl G. Maeser Professorship for his teaching. Gary was also former committee chair and current chief reader for the national Advanced Placement English Language test. His textbook, Arguing in Communities, is in its third printing.

Preceded in death by his father, Gary is survived by his wife, AnneMarie, sons Aubrey and Carson, daughter Maren, his mother, and four siblings: Geoff, Deanna (Trump), David, and Bryan. Aubrey currently serves in the Berlin, Germany Mission for the LDS church.

As a member of the American Fork Hillcrest 4th Ward, Gary served in numerous callings, most of them involving scouting. He served as Varsity Scout Coach, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, Scoutmaster, Stake Young Men’s Counselor, Stake High Councilor, and most recently as the 11-year-old Scout Leader. Gary also served as Counselor and Bishop of the BYU 14th ward. A dedicated Scouter, he was an Eagle Scout, had recently earned his Woodbadge beads, attended the National Scout Jamboree in 2005 with his son Aubrey, and was planning to attend this year’s National Scout Jamboree as Assistant Scoutmaster with his son Carson. He was deeply devoted to the young men he worked with and had a great influence on them.

Gary enjoyed playing the piano and organ, camping, all types of literature, food, travel and spending time with his family.

Gary had great gifts for learning and teaching. He became a university professor because he wanted a life of learning and to help others improve their lives. He wore his scholarship lightly, however, and was beloved by all who knew him, from esteemed scholars to the most humble Boy Scout.

His is a rare soul. He was a husband, father, scholar, and Scouter. Through his teaching, church service, and scouting he influenced thousands of people. He was a devoted husband. He was both a father and friend to his children. His family and friends will sorely miss his kindness and quirky sense of humor.