Wayne David Hatchett
David Hatchett, aka Wayne David Hatchett, 75, passed away with divine grace on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on December 12, 1948 in Norman, Oklahoma to sculptor W. Duayne Hatchett and Mary Jeffries Hatchett. He moved from New York City to Fort Myers in 2007.
Artist David Hatchett received an MFA from Rutgers University and lived in lower Manhattan Soho lofts for more than 45 years. He was very active and successful in the Loft Tenants rights case. He created an entire world of sculptures, paintings, songs, novels, all of them unbelievably original and extraordinary.
His wicked sense of humor and enthusiasm about life are imbedded in his kind heart, goodness, and deep spirituality. David had a great vision for inventing new ways to make art.
He was the youngest artist to have a one-man show at the Albright-Knox Museum in Buffalo, NY, and has been showing his work, even after his passing.
David Hatchett left behind a tangible legacy of how he spent his time. He was driven, leaving behind a vast collection of his artworks. Please go to www.davidhatchettart.com for an overview.
David was a lot of fun, he had an abundance of close friends, admirers and collectors.
He is survived by his dearest love of 40 years, Lily Hatchett; sister, Jeffri Petracca of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY; brother, James Dana Hatchett of Buffalo, NY and extended family of fabulous cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.
Gracious Heart, Extraordinary soul, Always Loved……….Sorry Lily
Dave was the coolest. He was always game for anything. We went to many dozens of concerts together, as we shared much of the same taste in music. I never saw such solid and powerful sculptures as what he made. And while he was a big solid man, at heart he was a sweetheart. Always jovial, curious, and up for any adventure. He knew life was about having fun, and he did that well. I miss him, but so much of him stays with me, and I’ll make sure to keep it that way.
Beautifully done Lily. Hope our guys are having a great time with their lives of art and music. Of course this made me cry. Thanks for sending it. Love and hope to see you in person sometime in the near future.
Dave was a part of the powerful Art couple Lil and Dave , Dave and Lil . A beloved part of our life for so many years. Our heart goes out to Lil. We miss the gentle soul of David. His aesthetics and politics were always spot on. His physical presence on the planet helped us stay grounded. His spirit will always remain in our hearts…
Dave will be missed greatly. He was always the sweetest person I knew. A large part of New York City closes with his passing for me.
I’m so grateful to have known Dave and seen what cool really means. He was always super supportive and always had something profound or funny to say. I loved him and the way he walked and talked . I want one his art pieces that is stuck in my as are the many fond memories with him and lily. Love you man!!
Behind his big smile, and his big artist hands that matched his heart and gentleness, was a tour de force. Of energy. It was power of his heart that catapulted his art, his vision and dream. It is really hard to understand that someone so vibrant can be lost so soon. His energy will endure forever.
Dave was one of the best listeners I’ve ever met. Not only did I enjoy talking with him, but I liked to watch him talk to others because of the focused attention he gave to others. Dave was fully present and nothing else mattered when he was talking to you, except that exchange. That’s rare. I can’t imagine how much you must miss him, Lil. I’m so sorry.
The day I met Dave and Lil was a life changing experience. Long story short, they saved a near disaster of a video we were making for our band. 1989….they rewrote an emergency script, and an amazing effort by 2 strangers saved our lives! I encourage you to look up BLACK VIRGIN SLEDGEHAMMER JUSTICE video on You Tube!!! DAVE and LIL at their best, and doing us a favor I can never repay. I was thrilled, as Dave was, to gift David Lynch a piece of Daves amazing art……a milk container riveted with Pabst Blue Ribbon cans. Lynch loved it and had it on the mantle at home. Ill never forget working with lsabella Rossalini….then meeting Dave and lil and watching Blue Velvet for the first time!! And OF COURSE making music with Dave and the gang……Rest in Peace, Dave! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE YOU!
My best man always loved and loving biz partner and dearest friend, I love you always !
I’m so grateful to have known David.
Lilly please visit me in NEW ORLEANS OR HALEIWA HAWAII💕Diane Peck
Too soon , an artist, a powerful giant in art , and a dear friend to our family we have lost . Rare in our world, he was , and also so his true trustworthiness and gentle kindness . We are so grateful and feel so fortunate that he was in our lives.
Thank you Dave! Thank you Lil and Dave ! We love you Lil!
Dave was an amazing man. So gentle, creative and loving. I was always delighted by his unique artworks. I feel so fortunate to have known him. He is a shining star and is enjoying watching over us
Beautiful tribute to David. I learned more about him in so many ways. He leaves a legacy of ideas and creations and an impact on people that knew him.
David was a remarkable talent and human being. He and Lily have been my friends for over 30 years. He was on the advisory board of Max’s nonprofit and participated as an artist in several of our event/fundraisers. He will remain in my heart ❤️ Gone but never forgotten!
Will always be remembered. And unforgettable human indeed.
Lilly,
It is so great to read all of these wonderful stories and memories that people have about Dave! It is really beautiful to hear all of these interesting stories. You can feel the heart-felt love that all of Dave’s friends had for him.
Lilly,
It is so great to read all of these wonderful stories and memories that people have about Dave! You can feel the heart-felt love that all of Dave’s friends had for him. It seems like Dave was an inspiration to everyone that he met. I only knew him towards the end of his life, but it sounds like he was a real trip to hang-out with when he was a younger man! We were all very lucky to have known him.
Dave was so special. Decades flown by. Every time I walk down Broadway past Howard Street I always look down the block to “Dave and Lil’s place”. Great memories. I always loved speaking with Dave about everything in the world and sometimes other worlds, haha. He was a joy. We will all miss him and his fantastic creativity, his vital spirit and his kindness in the universe. Love to Lil.
I remember well the unique interlude in my life in lower Manhattan in 2000-2001 during which I had the pleasure to meet and get to know David and Lily — and the many fun times spent with them in musical exploration and their unique brand of creative alchemy and the engaging warmth and joy that their free and vibrant spirits brought to the immediacy of daily life, and being alive. Long after our physical paths parted and went different directions ( I back to the West Coast and they to Florida), the strength of that whimsical and magical connection persisted on a separate channel outside of three-dimensional space, and we managed to stay in touch for the past 25 years. I was surprised and saddened to hear of David’s passing, especially for Lily knowing the strength of their covalent spiritual bond. Although all things must of course pass — and the time that one’s time is up is never known until the time when there is no recourse or time to reflect further on it — I somehow feel that in David’s case both he and Lily were and are able to see, “somewhere so high above that wall”, the full glory of the arc of his life, and the songs of angels. Travel safe in your journey, and know that you are loved and remembered.
I recently wrote and recorded the following piece “Memorial Montuno”, for those close to us who have already crossed into the next world, and in their collective memory, and would like to share it here for Lily, and David.
https://soundcloud.com/tahoe-records/vfw
Fairly well, brother, David..
May the Four Strong Winds blow you safely home..
See you on the other side.
I remember the first time I met you and Lilly on a sidewalk beside my bus.. I saw you two just bouncing down the sidewalk straight to me.. of course I was a stranger to you but you talked to me like we were old friends.. Lilly you took my day planner and wrote”” next time your in town let’s play”” with your phone #.. well for 38 years I never did a show in the city without looking you guys up.. many times I parked my 45 foot star car on the side street at your flat. Drinking beers and laughing til sunrise.. the only think important to me about the city was you two.. my heart aches for you Lilly loosing such a wonderful man.. may your wings fly high and as your watching over us.. Gods speed my friend. With much love
He lived a life of love, fun and art….and had Lilly by his side. You done good David and you will be missed. Make beautiful art out there in the universe!
Thank you for sharing these meaningful details of David’s life. He will be truly missed. Sending my love and condolences to Lily, friends and family. XOXO
Dave was one of the top artists in SW Florida-his creativity shone as he mastered so many different media.
I’ll never forget the hours I spent at his/your homey art gallery,
I was amazed at how how warm, kind, welcoming and funny both of you were.
I wasn’t going to go home without a beautiful piece of art, and then, to have you both come and hang the piece in my home-I’ve never had an artist be that caring about having the right place for it.
You and David made me feel so welcome at the Paper Grotto-I had so much fun being a dog-who’d a thunk?
Lilly, there are no words for your loss, for your grief, for your broken heart.
My heart goes out to you.
David’s legacy, David’s wonderful memory, will live on.
I was introduced to Dave and Lily by DD Chapin. That’s probably all you need to know. Dave, Lily, and DD pulled me (willingly, on my part) into the Grateful Dead world of the early 1990s. We attended countless Dead shows, and had a most excellent time before, during, and after the concerts. As others have said, Dave had a kind, loving heart and a lovely sense of humor (and of the absurd). He was a wildly talented and original artist.
I will miss Dave’s chuckle and his laugh. Sending him love and light on his way to the next world. And sending Lily lots of love as well.
May his memory be a beautiful blessing!
Divne su poruke , što David I zaslužuje. 🫶🏻💔
David’s great creative spirit walks the Rainbow Path, as above, so below. He touched many hearts, and remains connected to us all, none more than with Lily! Their Love is eternal, beyond space and time. You walk in beauty, David… wonder, grace, courage, integrity and humor. Keep the Faith. Love, Peace and Rock ‘n Roll!!
I’ll always remember David as a man of humor, integrity, sincerity, talent and genuine originality. Though I knew him decades ago in NYC (thru Bill R), he and Lily made an indelible impression as people and artists of the most interesting kind…When I think of David and those special days (70’s), I smile. We were all lucky to be in his circle.
David was always friendly to whomever he was speaking with and with humor and grace he always made one feel good….
Thank you so much, Lily and David, for sharing bits of your lives with me. It has been so original and amazing. Love, Deb
The days when I saw Lil and Dave weekly or nightly were some of the best of my life. David was so gracious and smart-authentic and cool. Lil-my heart is with you.. Rest In Power Dave – you were an À’ll- American in the coolest way possible
David was so incredibly talented and unique.
I feel blessed I was able to connect with him in this life and I’m hugging you, Lily, so hard right now💜💜🙏🙏🙏