In Memory of Heide Hatcher

Principal, Whiskeytown Environmental School 1989 - 2008

12/10/1954 - 11/26/2008

Heide began working for Shasta County Office of Education in 1984 as a counselor coordinator at Whiskeytown Environmental School.  In 1989, she became the Principal/Director. 

Linda McBride, Shasta County Board of Education Trustee, described Heide as follows:

"She was a wonderful and beautiful person whose strong passion for the environment, her children and life was an inspiration. She was a great person."

Kathy Callan wrote in a letter to the Record Searchlight that

"Shasta County lost one of its best last week when Heide Hatcher passed away. Heide was a tireless advocate for our environment and our children, and she truly walked the walk. She will be deeply missed.

Heide understood the big picture - that we humans are but one of the many creatures inhabiting our Earth, and that our fates are directly connected to the fate of our environment. Heide funneled her passion for the environment into the many excellent programs offered at Whiskeytown Environmental School. She worked tirelessly to make the school the success that it was, despite constant budget cuts.

Leaving the world a better place for future generations was the guiding principle of Heide's life. Generations of Shasta County students have eagerly attended NEED Camp, and have spread their knowledge far and wide. Thanks to Heide, those students, many of whom are now parents, can teach their children the importance of environmental stewardship. Heide's impact will be felt far into the future, and our children and grandchildren will reap the benefits in having a healthier environment.

Outside of work, Heide often advocated for causes near and dear to her heart, all in an effort to leave this world a better place. What a wonderful example she was for the rest of us.

We can best honor Heide's legacy by being responsible stewards of our precious natural resources, emphasizing environmental education in our schools, and supporting Whiskeytown Environmental School.

Heide helped lead the way. It's up to us to follow in her footsteps."

Mike Grant of Marin County Outdoor School and a representative of California Outdoor School Administrators (COSA), shared his thoughts as follows:

"I am really going to miss Heide Hatcher.  She was serious about Outdoor Education, and always stood strong in the face of all odds.  She taught me how to spend as much as I could to improve an outdoor school site, without going to the formal bid process (with a big grin on her face).  I will miss her outrage at the fact that all kids don't get the chance to go to outdoor school, and the look on her face and the tone of her voice when she described how important our work is, and how we needed to stay involved at the higher levels of education - to be recognized at the table at the state level.  She was always genuinely and deeply appreciative of any support and input I could offer to help her face the challenges and obstacles that arise, in the name of helping kids get outdoors.  She took the time to explain to me how to spell her name correctly, and was remarkably serious about it. " [webmaster's note:  "Heide" was her mother's maiden last name] 

"She took a stand when I was trying to seek consensus - when there clearly would not be one - about the important issue of requiring student assessment as part of the ROSS Certification.  She spoke of the dangers of trying to have our group have to agree on everything, and articulated the importance of making a decision as a group, with a majority rule, and moving forward. 

What I loved most about Heide is how she loved her kids and the pride with which she spoke of Hannae Mae and Badeboo.  I love how she brought her kids and babysitter in tow to the COSA meetings and the grace she carried as a mom.  I know that her spirit will live on in the girls and in the woods and serenity of Whiskeytown.  We are going to miss you Heide; thank you for enriching our lives with your beauty and spirit!"

Board Resolution - SCOE Board recognizes Heide's Service designating the cafeteria/lodge at Whiskeytown Environmental School as Hatcher Hall.

The family has asked that instead of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Heide's name send them to:

Shasta Regional Community Foundation
Attn: Whiskeytown Environmental School Fund
1335 Arboretum Dr., Suite B
Redding, CA 96003
244-1219

Or you can make a contribution online. On the right-hand side select Donate Now and then under the fund that you would like to contribute to, scroll down to the Whiskeytown Environmental School Fund.