Richard “Dick” Hatt of Pukalani, Maui, died Feb. 9, 2004 at Kula Hospital at the age of 85. He was born Aug. 18, 1918, in Plattsmouth Neb.

Before and during World War II, Mr. Hatt was a staff sergeant in the Army stationed at Fort Laughton.

After visiting Whidbey Island for several years, in 1958 he bought a small lot on Mutiny Bay. The whole family took part in building their new home. During the summer of 1962 the family moved permanently to the island.

He owned Topper Painting Company. He painted many beautiful homes both on Whidbey and Maui. In 1982 he made his final move to Maui, Hawaii. He loved the warm sun, tropical trade winds, Luaus, and the local aloha.

He is survived by his wife Viola “Vi”; son Dean Hatt and his wife, Cathy, of Langley; daughters Judi Little and her husband, Dave, of Everett, and Sue Terhar and her husband, Jack, of Langley. He also has seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Danielle and Courtney Hatt, Kris Little, Suzi Redman and Heather and Jon Greve. His great-grandchildren include Jarrin, De’Andre, and Jacob. He is also survived by two stepsons, Art Squillace of Puyallup and Ed Squillace of Dungeness.

A celebration of Mr. Hatt’s life took place on the beautiful island of Maui. Aloha!