Rick L. Hatfield

Rick L. Hatfield, 55, of Wasilla, died at his residence on Dec. 6, 2010, of complications from diabetes.

A memorial service is at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13 at the Fairview Loop Baptist Church, 3118 Fairview Loop Road (approx. at Mile 8) in Wasilla. Pastor Tom Hoffman will officiate.

Rick was born Jan. 8, 1955, to George Merell and Vadace Hatfield in Eugene, Ore. He moved to Anchorage with his parents in June 1970. He graduated from Dimond High School in 1973. He was a warehouseman and delivery driver in the Anchorage area for many years until his illness forced him into early retirement.

He loved music and was an accomplished drummer throughout his life and had played with the Fairview Loop Praise Team until his disability prevented him from playing anymore. Rick loved watching Western movies. He was a member of Wasilla Fairview Loop Baptist Church.

His family wrote that “Rick was a kind and loving man. He was devoted to his family and especially his only son, Derek, and his mother, whom he called daily to check on, even when his own health was failing. He will be greatly missed, but we know he is in a better place and free from pain and he is now with his dad who he missed so much.”

He is survived by his mother, Vadace L. Hatfield of Wasilla; son Derek L. Hatfield of Wasilla; sister, Nancy Willis and husband Charlie Willis of Wasilla; and Sandra Clarke of Great Falls, Mont.; his nephew and spouse Garrett and Amber Willis and great nephew Braeden of Cooper Landing; nieces Callie Willis of Kennewick, Wash., and Aleksandra Clarke of Missoula, Mont.; aunt Bernett Lakin of Coburg, Ore. and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father George Merell Hatfield, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.