Gerald Earl Hatt

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gerald Earl Hatt, of Milton. Jerry, as he was commonly referred to, died peacefully on 25 June 2024 at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. 

Dad was born on 02 March 1930 and was the second oldest boy of the late Durling and Mary Hatt of Milton. He was raised in a family with three other brothers and three sisters. He married his wife Helen Hatt on 23 October 1953, and it was through their commitment towards each other that enabled them to enjoy a loving marriage of 67 years and to raise a wonderful family of six children. His greatest passion in his life was his family. His tenacious demeanor, his hard work mindset and his humbleness as a person to take on any job ensured that the family was always well taken care of, despite the many challenges that he and Mom were faced with. He was also a strong advocate for his community, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Dad’s career spanned from being a church maintenance man, a gas jockey, a carpenter and eventually to becoming an electrician – a man who always made things work. His retirement employment was at the Bowater Mersey Paper Company in Brooklyn. 

One of Dad’s greatest passions outside of his family was his love for the Masonic movement. Dad joined the Masons in 1984 and remained a member to the present. He dedicated many hours to this fraternal brotherhood and attained many significant positions within, and achieved many honors and high praises from his peers. His other interests in life included his love of hockey, (especially for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs), his love for the outdoors (hunting, fishing, canoeing and camping), and especially his passion for painting and drawing, a talent for which he received much praise. 

Dad was predeceased by his wife Helen (2020) and is survived by his six children: Janice (Doug) Baker, Daniel (Patti), Stephen (Zona), Michael (Donna), Gregory, and Jeffery (Andrea) Hatt. He leaves behind his 11 grandchildren: Christina, Derrick, Melissa, Tracie, Benjamin, Jenilyn, Jonathan, Stephen, Nicholas, Christopher, and Samuel, and was predeceased by Jacqueline. He also leaves behind 13 great grandchildren, one great grandson predeceased, and 4 great, great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sisters Betty, Eleanor, and Noreen, and his brothers, Bud, Lawrence and Kenneth. 

 Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandler’s Funeral Home, Liverpool. Visitation will take place for both Helen and Gerald on 08 August from 6 to 8 PM and a Masonic/Eastern Star service being held at 7:00 p.m. in Chandlers Funeral Chapel, Liverpool, NS. A small family graveside service will be held at the Milton Cemetery at later date.  No flowers by request. Donations may be made in Dad’s memory to the Queens General Hospital, the Salvation Army, and to the local food bank. Online condolences can be made to: www.chandlersfuneral.com. 

His family wishes to thank the Long-Term Care staff, all the doctors, the nursing staff and all the kitchen and cleaning staff who helped and supported Dad during his stay at Queens General Hospital. A special thanks also to Dad’s hospital roommate, Dennis Tester, for his support and friendship to Dad while in hospital.