Raleigh Dean Hathaway

Raleigh D. Hathaway, age 62, of Valley, NE died 10/5/15. Preceded in death by father Bernard. Survived by wife Nathalie and daughter Kayla of Valley, mother Beverly Hathaway of San Antonio, TX, siblings; Martin (Phyllis) of Oklahoma City, OK, Ron of San Antonio, David of San Antonio, Suzanne (James) Johnson of San Antonio, Cheryl Ann (Scott) Schroeder of Wichita Falls, TX, Carol (Greg) Thorn of Dallas, TX, and Barry Hathaway of San Antonio. Funeral Mass 10 AM Friday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2207 Wirt Street, Omaha, NE. Visitation from Noon to 7 PM Thursday with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM and a Vigil service at 7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, memorials to CUES(Christian Urban Education Service) 2207 Wirt St. Omaha, NE 68110. The world became a better place on June 28, 1953 after Raleigh Dean Hathaway was born at Burtonwood Air Force Base near Warrington, Cheshire, England. Raleigh (or “Deanie”, as his daughter Kayla would call him), grew up as the second oldest child of 8 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He graduated from Iowa Park High School and immediately embarked on a career in the beer distribution business at the age of 19, working for Ray Clymer of Golden Distributing Company. His passion and work ethic enabled him to rapidly move up within the company, becoming the Branch Manager of the Lake Dallas location after a short period of time. His ability to manage not only the business, but his knack of bringing out the best in everyone around him enabled him to become the youngest General Manager within the Coors Distributor Network after Ray promoted him to his failing location in Memphis, TN. He successfully completed his task in a short amount of time, allowing Ray to sell the business for a significant profit. After Memphis, Raleigh moved to San Diego, working as a Brewery Representative for the Coors Brewing Company. Pete Coors recently said of Raleigh “he’s always been one of my favorites in the business”. During his short time working for the brewery, Raleigh met Bob Schulze, who sensed Raleigh’s passion for the beer distribution business, offering him the Branch Manager position for the Dan McKinney Company’s San Diego operation. He worked with Bob for 24 years, ultimately building one of the most successful beer distributors in all of Southern California. After selling the business, Raleigh took a short time to relax with his family before being offered a position to run Premier Midwest Beverage in Omaha in 2009. He had an immediate effect on the business, turning sales and profits around in less than one year’s time. His motto of “consumers first” helped build the culture and attitude of everyone he worked with. His selfless attitude and teachings have had a profound effect on everyone that he worked with and for. Raleigh would always ask “how are we doing” instead of “how are you doing”, because if you weren’t ok, Raleigh wasn’t ok. He was the ultimate husband, father, friend and worker. He cared for everyone and truly brought out the best in those around him. He always wanted to help people that were less fortunate, and had a deep passion for anyone that struggled with life. He was involved in many children’s charities, especially ones that helped children with illnesses. He loved the St. Jude’s Foundation, often becoming emotional when discussing it with others. He was sensitive and understanding. He was generous with his time and his money. He never wanted to see someone who was struggling. Raleigh loved his family and friends, especially his wife Nathalie and his daughter Kayla. He was a true gentleman and a remarkable father. The stories from his short time here with everyone are, and will always be legendary. Raleigh was literally the ultimate human being. Deanie, you will be missed by many. Heaven just took from us one of the greatest people we have ever known. We love you. We are thankful for everything you have brought to our lives. We all look forward to seeing you again someday…because life just won’t be the same without you here. Godspeed to you, Raleigh Dean Hathaway. Thank you for being you.

Raleigh Dean Hathaway

June 28, 1953 - October 5, 2015