Royce A. Hatch

Royce Alton Hatch was born March 26, 1942, in Farmington, New Mexico, and passed away comfortably at home August 14, 2025, in Berthoud, Colorado.

Raised in Boulder, Colorado, Royce graduated from Boulder High School before serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chicago, Illinois area. After returning to Boulder, he earned his degree in Zoology and Botany with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Colorado in 1966. He joked that he was qualified to count cattle down south.

Although he initially aspired to become a medical doctor, a chance encounter with dental students in Chicago shifted his path. He applied to dental school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he earned his DDS. Encouraged by a professor in St. Louis, Royce transitioned into teaching, later obtaining an advanced dental degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. His career included teaching positions at the University of Kentucky's dental school in Lexington and the OU College of Dentistry in Oklahoma City. In 1978, he returned to Colorado to teach at the University of Colorado dental school, where he took pride in his work with the students.

Royce's passion for dentistry was evident in both his teaching and practice. Known for his generosity, he often provided free or bartered dental work-even if it was something he didn't want or need-valuing the joy of helping others over financial gain. Despite his busy schedule, no matter how tired he was, he always found energy in caring for his patients and enjoyed conversations with them. However, his favorite part of retirement was enjoying two-sided conversations with people.

Before studying dentistry, Royce met Marcia Halladay. Quite the recruiter, he immediately set out to convince her to transfer to the University of Colorado. Their first date lasted for three days so he could show her all that Boulder had to offer. She was convinced, transferred to CU, and they were married a year later. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 20th, 1965. They continued to bring smiles and laughter to each other for the next 60 years. They have three children: Jeff, Becky, and Mandy.

With a memorable sense of humor, Royce delighted in life's little moments, and he had a knack for finding joy in everyday observations. His interests were diverse, including guns-both shooting and restoring-technology, odd jobs, hardware store explorations, finding a good deal, gardening, photography, genealogy, and he was an avid Buffs fan.

Family and faith were the cornerstones of Royce's life. He actively participated in church, often serving quietly behind the scenes. He held a deep pride in his family heritage, named after his uncle, Royce "Cap" Mowrey, and his father, Alton Hatch. Family vacations were often spent in Vernal, Utah, where many of his relatives lived. Royce exemplified the values of selfless service, generosity, and a commitment to education.

Recently, Marcia shared that Royce was a positive presence, always ready to lend a helping hand. She fondly recalled his unique sense of humor and the joy he brought to their conversations.

Royce was predeceased by his parents Alton and Jennie (Hacking) and his two sisters, Lota (Boyd) Brinton, and Ann (Todd) Salisbury.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia (Halladay) Hatch, his children, Jeffrey Hatch, Rebecca (Bryce) Carpenter, Amanda (Andrew) Baron, and six grandchildren, Sophie and Oliver Carpenter, Austin, Tyler, Zach, and Hayden Baron. His family is deeply touched by the memories shared by friends from around the world, highlighting the impact he had on so many lives.

A funeral and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 30th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10 a.m. (555 Spartan Lane, Berthoud, Colorado 80513), with Bohlender Funeral Chapel handeling the funeral services.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00am, in Vernal Memorial Park, (1700 South Vernal, Ave, Vernal, UT 84078). Under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.