Joseph Erwin Hatt
Joseph Erwin Hatt, formerly of Wiarton, Ont., passed away on January 24, 2022 at Kelso Villa Retirement Home. He was in his 94th year. Joe is survived by his sister Nellie Hatt and his loving daughters, Mary Jo Lovell (John) and Susan Leeder (Bert), both of whom provided strength and support through his challenging final days.
Fond memories of our incomparable “Poppa Joe” will be forever cherished by grandchildren Andrew Maher (Stacey Caney), Justin Maher, Jessica Leeder (Scott Belton) and Christie Leeder (Mike Macleod) and great-grandchildren Charlie, Sam, Isla and Finn.
Joe was born in Eastnor Township on the Bruce Peninsula and went on to live in Hanover and Fergus before settling in Wiarton, Ont. He spent three decades working for Brewers’ Retail Inc. and many will recall friendly encounters with Joe from the time he managed The Beer Store in Wiarton. Some may recall less-friendly encounters with Joe on the ice—he was a formidable opponent regardless of whether he was suiting up with the Old-Timers on Sunday mornings or, in earlier years, the Wiarton Redmen.
In his retirement years, Joe traded his hockey skates for golf clubs and played regularly at the Wiarton Golf Club with friends as well as his grandkids. He loved to watch many sports and was a devoted fan of the Owen Sound Platers. He continued attending Attack games. He was a huge fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and enjoyed watching games. He attended an especially memorable game with his family in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Thank you to the staff at Kelso Villa for their excellent care. Thanks also to Megan and Penny from Jeremy Woodley Care Services for their kindness and support.
Cremation has taken place and a family celebration in Joe’s memory will be held at a later date. Interment Bayview Cemetery in Wiarton, Ont. In lieu of flowers, expressions of remembrance to the Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation are much appreciated.