Hatcliff, Earl Richard, AD1

Earl Richard Hatcliff
December 6, 1936 - October 11, 2010

Born: December 6, 1936
Place of Birth: Independence, Kansas
Death: October 11, 2010
Place of Death: Coupeville, Washington

Earl Richard Hatcliff, 73, went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2010 after a short illness. He was born to Ralph and Hattie (Bruch) Hatcliff in Independence, Kansas, and was raised in the community of Big Cove, Cherokee, North Carolina. After high school, Earl enlisted in the US Navy where he served as an aircraft mechanic. He was awarded a Gallantry Cross with Palm and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam. Earl Retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service and then worked as the night supervisor at the Norwester Club on NAS Whidbey Island.

Earl loved the Navy and his country. He regularly attended the HA(L) 3 Seawolf Association reunions. He loved many things: fishing, crabbing, camping, wild life, talking to people and reading westerns. Earl loved his family, his friends and God. He always enjoyed bringing a smile to people. He will be missed by all who loved him and knew him.

Earl is survived by his wife Lydia and daughter, Trisha, son, E. Richard Hatcliff II, one brother, Winston Hatcliff, and six stepdaughters. There are many grandchildren, two great grand children and nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 2PM at Burley Funeral Chapel. Burial with Military honors followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Earl did four (4) consecutive tours with HA)L)-3 in Vietnam and was on the last flights out of Binh Thuy when HA(L)-3 was disestablished on 16 March 1972.