William Robert Hatch Jr.

William “Bill” Robert Hatch Jr., beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He spent his last days expressing his love for his family and reminiscing about cherished memories with family and friends. Known for his unique and unforgettable voice, sharp wit, and kindness, Bill lived a life full of adventures, accomplishments, and love.

Bill was born in Boise, Idaho, on September 3, 1944, and spent his early years in Portland, Oregon, before moving with his family to Vacaville, California. His family then returned to Idaho where he graduated from Madison High School in Rexburg. He earned his high school diploma in his own unconventional way, trading his final two credits for a promise to enlist in the Army. He joined the National Guard while still in high school, beginning a lifelong record of service and contributions to communities. Bill later attended the William B. Ogden Radio Operational Engineering School in Huntington Beach, California.

After high school, Bill worked on a dry farm before finding his calling behind a microphone. His career in radio began in Rexburg and led him up and down the West Coast, from Portland to San Diego, San Francisco, and eventually Boise. His deep, steady voice and quick humor made him a natural on air. Over the years, he became a familiar presence on both radio and television, working for Channel 2 and Channel 12 News in Boise. He continued serving the public as a Public Information Officer for the Idaho Division of Building Safety, where he worked for nearly a decade.

Outside of his professional life, Bill was an accomplished skydiver, with over 250 sport jumps. He was also an excellent trap shooter and hunter, receiving many awards and recognitions for his skill and dedication in each.

When asked to define the best thing that ever happened to him, Bill replied, without hesitation, “my children.”

Bill is survived by a large and loving family that includes his children, Ami (Nathan) Jeppesen, and twin sons, Ben and Sean (Tiffany) Hatch, whom he shared with his former wife, Janean Covington Smith; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and his sisters, Barbara Bice and Debbie Stoneman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Robert Hatch and Betty Genieve Hatch; and brothers, Thomas Craig Hatch and Ronald Everett Hatch.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Bill’s life from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Civitan Park, located at 900 W. Elva Street, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.