Howard R. Hatch

Howard Raymond Hatch, 84, of Albany, NH, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Maine Medical Center Oncology after a courageous battle with leukemia. A true native of the Mount Washington Valley, Howard's lineage can be traced back to one of the founding fathers of Conway, NH. Born on November 29, 1940, at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, Howard was the second son of Fred and Mary Hatch. He grew up on Intervale Cross Road. In 1960, while employed at Memorial Hospital, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Wetmore, who would travel to see him on the snow train. The couple eloped in 1962 and enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage. Howard dedicated 33 years of service to the U.S. Forest Service, working as a Forest Ranger and Forest Firefighter at the Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest before retiring in 1994. In addition to his forestry career, Howard remained active by running a small engine repair business, caretaking for a private collection of antique woodie cars, mowing lawns, and undertaking various odd jobs. He also served as a supervisor at Fryeburg Fair for many years, overseeing the replica of the Kearsarge North Fire Tower. A gifted storyteller, Howard often recounted his experiences manning the Fire Tower in the 1960s for the Forest Service. Howard cherished his "Old Red Truck," a 1946 Chevy he purchased for $50 and lovingly restored. He attended countless car shows and parades, proudly showcasing his prized possession. A passionate historian, Howard shared captivating stories about the Valley and its rich history. He enjoyed gathering with friends over coffee at McDonald's or lunch at Rosie's Restaurant. In the afternoons, he could often be found watching Wagon Train while savoring his "one beer" and a small bowl of chips. Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Hatch; his daughter, Anna Peare, and her husband, Carl of Conway, his sons, Neal and Rick Hatch; grandchildren Carlton and Michelle Peare of Freedom, and Caren Peare with her partner, Cody Gaudette, of Bartlett; along with greatgrandchildren Stevie Louise Peare, Gavin Bridges, Daniel and Matthew Peare. He is also survived by bonus grandchildren Lexi, Izzy, and Patrick, Ethan, as well as an extra bonus daughter Audrey Huot of Fryeburg. Sisters, Rosemary Harmon, Susan Shepard, Peggy Dickinson her husband Joe, and Ellen King her husband Rich. His favorite nephew is Bobby Hatch. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Harold Hatch, and sidekick grandson Kevin Peare. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds Expo Building on Sunday, August 17, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Please bring your memories and stories to share. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be sent to The Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park, PO Box 210, Conway, NH 03818, or charity of your choice.