Former Utah Senator Orrin Hatch has died at age 88.

Former Senator Orrin Hatch died on Saturday at age 88, just 3 years after retiring from his 42 years serving as Utah Senator.

The Hatch Foundation made the announcement on Saturday evening.

“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),” they wrote.

Here’s more from their statement.

“Senator Orrin G. Hatch personified the American Dream,” said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. “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. He was a profoundly positive influence in the lives of those he served, whether they were the constituents he helped over four decades of casework, the hundreds of interns he sponsored in both Utah and DC, or the robust network of Hatch staffers who carry on his legacy to this day. Senator Hatch touched the hearts of countless individuals, and I know I speak for all of them when I say he will be dearly missed.”

“A man of wisdom, kindness, character, and compassion, Orrin G. Hatch was everything a United States Senator should be,” said A. Scott Anderson, Chairman of the Hatch Foundation. “He exemplified a generation of lawmakers brought up on the principles of comity and compromise, and he embodied those principles better than anyone. In a nation divided, Orrin Hatch helped show us a better way by forging meaningful friendships on both sides of the aisle. Today, more than ever, we would do well to follow his example. May we honor Orrin’s memory by living as he lived—committed to our country, to our principles, and to each other.”

Senator Hatch is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their six children. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. For more information on the Senator’s legacy, click here. To download his official photo, click here. For an overview of both his Senate Service and his personal life, see below.

Hatch was a real character. I watched his career my whole adult life, and whether it was a week when you hated him or a week when you loved him, the guy never let you down for entertainment.

Sometimes downright amazing entertainment.

Rest in peace, sir.


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