Former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch dead at 88
Joe Tacopino – New York Post
Former Utah Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, the longest-serving senator in Utah’s history, died on Saturday, his foundation said. He was 88.
Hatch was surrounded by family in Salt Lake City when he passed at around 5:30 p.m., according to the Hatch Foundation.
“Senator Orrin G. Hatch personified the American Dream,” said Matt Sandgren, executive director of the foundation.
The Hatch Foundation sadly announces the passing of Senator Orrin G. Hatch—the former President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and the longest-serving Senator in Utah history (1977-2019).
To learn more about his incredible life, click here:https://t.co/XFOMEYbe2l pic.twitter.com/dCGa7ew11f— Orrin G. Hatch Foundation (@OrrinHatch) April 24, 2022
“Born the son of a carpenter and plaster lather, he overcame the poverty of his youth to become a United States senator. With the hardships of his upbringing always fresh in his mind, he made it his life’s mission to expand freedom and opportunity for others—and the results speak for themselves.
“From tax and trade to religious liberty and healthcare, few legislators have had a greater impact on American life than Orrin Hatch.”
Senator Chuck Grassley, his former colleague from Iowa, remembered Hatch with a post on Twitter.
“Sad to learn of the passing of my friend Orrin Hatch. I worked closely w Senator Hatch for 40yrs on the [judiciary committee] +20 yrs on Finance cmte we had a very good friendship he has contributed so much to public policy & for the ppl of Utah,” Grassley wrote. “Barbara & I send our sympathies to his family.”
Hatch leaves behind a wife and six children. He served in the Senate for 42 years, retiring in 2019.
