Ellis Raymond Hatch Jr.

Rochester, NH- Ellis R. Hatch, Jr., 86, of Harding Street passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on May 17, 2018. He was born to the late Ellis R. Hatch, Sr. and the late Anna (Neal) Hatch on November 28, 1931 in South Berwick, ME. Ellis joined the National Guard at 18, where he learned to be a chef. After his service, he owned and operated Ellis R. Hatch & Son Caterers, Inc. for more than 30 years. He retired from catering and turned his focus to his passion, fly fishing.  He was the founder and past President of the Hackle & Tackle Club of Rochester. He served as New Hampshire Fish and Game Commissioner of Strafford County for 24 years. He was a world-renowned fly tyer, receiving many awards. In 2003 he was awarded the New Hampshire governors Arts Award for fly tying. One of his original patterns is the Hatching Pupa, a fly guaranteed by Ellis to catch a trout; it is now a staple in any good angler's fly box. Ellis had great respect for the outdoors and conservation; he worked tirelessly to preserve and protect the Jones Brook Wildlife Area which in 2004 was renamed the Ellis R. Hatch, Jr Wildlife Management Area in his honor.  There was nothing he treasured more than time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren in the wild places of New Hampshire and Maine. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Horne); daughters Debra Liberty (husband Brian) and Karen Stanton (husband Gary); son David Hatch (wife Bonnie); grandchildren Aaron Liberty (wife Katherine), Evan Liberty, Bradford Stanton (wife Elizabeth), Mathew Stanton, Justin Hatch (wife LeeAnne), Zachery Hatch, Cameron Hatch, and Molly Hatch; great grandchildren Ellis Liberty, Evelyn Liberty, Aiden Hatch, Beauden Hatch, and Elias Hatch; sisters-in-law Dawn Hatch and Lorraine Turgeon; brothers-in-law Dwight Horne Sr. and Richard Turgeon; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Douglas Neal Hatch, Sr. and Clayton Edward Hatch. The Hatch family would like to extend their extreme gratitude to Cornerstone VNA, and especially Nurse Ray Caron, for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests letters of support for his grandson Evan Liberty.  Information can be found at www.supportraven23.com.A private family service will be held at the R.M. Edgerly Funeral Home.