Richard Wilson Hatt

The family of Richard Wilson Hatt are saddened by his passing in Queens Manor on May 22, 2023.
Born in Liverpool, Richard was a son of the late Arnold and Kathleen (Wolf) Hatt, the fourth oldest of six children.
Richard gave up his scholastic endeavors to work at his fathers newly built gas/service station, Arnold Hatt’s White Rose Station in 1961 with his younger brother David. This became the hub of the community gatherings and gossip. Everyone knew that he loved gossip. His nephew David, will need to take over those reigns! If you wanted to know something, go to the garage. They ran the business for many years. Eventually, his son, Chris, continued running the business with him as Hatt’s Shell with the utmost commitment to their patrons. Someone could call him at midnight in need of gas and he would provide that without complaint.
An exemplary pillar of the community, Richard was director of the Milton Community Association moving on to be president of MCA and Milton Days for 35 years. He thrived on running the Milton dances and partaking…. (neighbors can attest to this from the audible retching while hanging over the railing behind the garage and yes, he went to work on Sunday mornings!) This affliction was remedied with Peggy’s eggnog delivered by Chris and Kelly before heading off to Sunday school.
During his term with the Milton Community Association, he was one of the founding members of the Milton Centennial Pool and Milton Ball Park. Richard had no qualms discussing death and was not fearful of dying. No surprise he was “the man” who would find you a plot in the Milton Cemetery. He knew the “plot book” from cover to cover!
Needless to say, everyone referred to him as the “Mayor of Milton” as he drove around the loop doing his inspections. We jokingly said “Chandlers’ will have to put him in a casket with wheels and windows.”
Richard was Past Master of Prince of Wales Lodge #29 and served on committees filling most offices for 52 years. He was very passionate about “community” and “the garage” and the joke was he loved these as much as his family.
One of his greatest pleasures was being a grandfather. No surprise that when Ruby or Beth needed anything, he was at their beck and call to drive them. His generous heart and sarcasm will be deeply missed.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy (Veinot); his children Chris (Karen) and Kelly (Darren) and his beloved granddaughters Ruby and Beth. Step grandson Hayden Wamboldt. Siblings Jack (Nancy), Mary Sedran, David (Bonnie), Pam Crouse (Greg), many nieces and nephews and very special sister in law Leanne White (Stephen).
Besides his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister Shirley Leslie.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Milton Baptist Church, Milton, NS. Reverend Stephen Baker officiating. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the Milton Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
The family wish to thank the staff of Queens Manor and Roseway Manor for their care of Richard and a special thank you to his nephew Ben Hatt.
“Take your last drive… It’s not the end of the road. It really is the circle of life just like the trip around the river.”