John Hatcher managed to make an impact on others

When a young girl takes up a new sport, the father often tries to figure out his role and decide how he is going to become involved.

In John Hatcher’s case, he made that decision eight years ago when he became manager of the mighty Mary Queen of Peace Panthers. His daughter Jenna decided to take up basketball and he knew he wanted to play a role in her taking on a new sport.

John quickly became a good manager in every sense of the word. He organized trips, tournaments, fee collection, uniforms, practice jerseys, parent meetings, etc. Always sympathetic to people of different social circumstances, he went out of his way to ensure several underprivileged players could participate in team events.

As time went on, John made himself a student of basketball and eventually helped with coaching. He started focusing on more technical aspects of the game. He would never overstep his bounds, but would quietly provide advice on the direction he felt the team should be heading.

He also became involved in Jenna’s club basketball team, the St. John’s Storm, and became parent representative of the Holy Heart senior girls team. He took great pride in organizing several trips to the United States for the Storm and great delight in knowing the team was not about having the best players, but ensuring weaker players had an opportunity to travel and play basketball in a competitive setting.

Several years ago, John was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. He fought bravely and courageously every step of the way, with a great sense of spirit and sharp sense of humour.

After receiving his diagnosis, he quickly arranged several trips, usually centred around NBA basketball games and warm weather … and always family.

He was also a very good darts player. He looked forward to the annual event that saw the Holy Heart of Mary girls team gather together in the shed for a good game of darts. He enjoyed the camraderie of the girls and the team competition that Jenna so enjoyed as well.

Earlier this week, John Hatcher passed away. He was 53 years old.

John was a solid family man and a proud member of the Holy Heart of Mary basketball family. He will be missed by the girls he helped in managing and coaching, and by all those on which he made a profound impact. John Doody, Co-coach of the Holy Heart of Mary high school senior girls basketball team and friend