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Machatton -- Michael T. MacHatton, 47, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2001 as a result of injuries from a fall while hiking. He was born August 14, 1954 in Lafayette, IN to Joseph and Joan MacHatton. Mike was the owner of two popular restaurants in town, Purple Sage and Way Out West. He was a board member of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Mike graduated from Wabash College in 1976 magna cum laude with a degree in English and Far Eastern Studies. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. In 1980, he received his master's degree in Restaurant/Hotel Institution Management from Purdue University. He received his doctorate in Restaurant Institution Management from Iowa State University in 1992. Mike moved to Las Cruces in 1991 with his family to teach at New Mexico State University in the Hospitality and Tourism Department. He was a beloved professor, and received the Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence in spring of 1996. In 1997, he left the university to devote his full time to the restaurants which he operated successfully up to the time of his passing. Mike fell in love with New Mexico the first time he set eyes on it. He was constantly outdoors, trying to find a new mountain to conquer or river to cross. Anyone who knew Mike knows that every trip was a new adventure, whether involving cactus or mountain lion or even snow. The journey's end was always"just around the next corner." Mike was a man who loved the wilderness in a spiritual way, regardless of what he might run into. He shared the beauty and wonder of the New Mexico wilderness with friends and family from around the world. Mike affected all who came into his life. He was a fabulous professor, a strict (but good) boss, a wonderful father, and a caring friend. Mike is survived by his son, Joe; his daughter, Maria; his parents, Joe and Joan MacHatton of South Bend, IN; brothers, Doug of Ft. Worth and Dave of South Bend and their families; his ex-wife, Annabella; and all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins from across the United States. Funeral and Memorial Services will be held Monday, November 26, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. in Graham's Mortuary, 555 W. Amador Ave. Las Cruces, NM. (505) 526-6891. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 25, 2001 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Family requests live plants in lieu of flowers. Also, donations may be made in his name to the Nature Conservancy of NM, NM Land Acquisition Projects 212 E. Marcy St., suite 200 Santa Fe, NM 87501. If you have known him, please take a moment to remember his spirit, his love of nature, and his love of life. His final resting place will be in the hearts of all who knew and loved him well.
        Published on: Thu November 22, 2001