It is with deepest regret that we of the 334th must tell the community that Rick "Merchant" Hatcher passed away on Thursday night. He was 53.
Rick or "Merch" as he was known both in this game and in Air Warrior was a long time online sim pilot. Merch flew in Air Warrior in the Genie days of the early 90s. He was a member of the WarHawks in Bland for all of those years. He flew solid up through the closing of AirWarrior. Merch joined Aces High a couple years ago and joined Boozer's 4th FG, the continuation of the WarHawks. He transfered over to the 334th Fighter Squadron this year.
Merch was a joy to fly with and be around. I had known him for almost 18 years now. I actually first met him at the Air Warrior convention in Florida in 1996. He was a great guy both online and in real life. He never complained or stood out above the rest of us by negative actions in game or otherwise. You never heard him cuss or complain about anything. He flew for enjoyment and the fun he had flying with his friends on all sides, of all colors, letters and chess pieces.
Take a few seconds and learn from him people. Don't bring your hate and your problems into the game, relax and get away for a few hours and enjoy yourself. Treat those you fly with and against with respect.
Clear skies Merch, you are going to be missed.
Services are in Riverview Florida on Monday.
http://www.serenitymeadows.com/
