Ernest Dale Hatfield (82) a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother passed away surrounded by loved ones August 7, 2022.
Ernie was born July 27, 1940 to Orval and Vina Hatfield in Eastport, MI. Ernie loved to spend time with his family in the outdoors, hunting, camping, cutting firewood, walking Aspen and making everyone laugh. He never missed out on an opportunity to make any moment a memory, spoil the grandkids or pick up Aspen on the gator.
His family was most important to him. He took great pride in being a Hatfield and was a strong patriarch of his family. He shared the Hatfield passion of hunting with his sons and granddaughters, never missing an opening day or deer camp.
He took his role as a husband, father and grandfather seriously; caring for, mentoring and loving them all. He loved to pick on grandma with the girls but loved her and the life they built dearly. He put them before himself and he shines through in them all.
Anyone who knew him knew the great man that he was. He was a good friend to all and always the first to lend a hand. His beat up hands and tough skin are the result of years of hard work; a trait you’ll find in his sons.
He will be remembered for his kind heart, witty jokes, contagious laugh, plaid suit, exceptional marksmanship and hard working attitude.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vera Hatfield (Sampsel), sons Michael and Todd, grandchildren Courtney (Jeff) and Mallory (Nathan), great granddaughter Brynlee, brother Forrest (Beverly), sister Gloria (Oliver) and several nieces, nephews and friends.
