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JOHN HATTON Obituary

July 17, 1948 - May 23, 2024
With great sadness we announce the passing of a great man and community leader, John Hatton. John grew up in Hamilton and attended Wilfred Laurier University and earned his Master's Degree from the University of Central Michigan. John moved to Thunder Bay in the early 1970s to attend Teacher's College and fell in love with the community. During his life John worked for the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, Confederation College, TransCanada, and the Fort William and Harbourview Clinics. He volunteered for multiple community events and Boards, including serving as President of Big Thunder Sports Park, Chair of the Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Race Festival and Chair of the Thunder Bay Physician Recruitment & Retention Council, and was an active member of Ambassadors Northwest and Treasurer of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Board of Directors. His dedication to community continued into "retirement", where he worked with municipalities, First Nations and businesses on strategic planning and community development. John was energetic and outgoing, very much a social butterfly. He loved being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren who he was very proud of. John and Annette travelled the world with friends and family, and he paddled on countless canoe trips every year with his buddies. His greatest joy was spending time with his family at camp on Dog Lake. We will miss his thoughtful advice and healthy debates. John taught us not to sweat the small stuff, not to make excuses, to work hard but also enjoy life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and community, but most especially by his wife Annette; his son Dane, daughter-in-law Leslie and grandsons Bo and Cal; his son Jordan and daughter-in-law Brenda and her sons Andrew and Aiden; his sister Janice Birkett, sister-in-law Brigitte Mosley and his nieces Sarah, Kiersten and Suzanne. Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and to all of our wonderful friends and family for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

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Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on May 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN HATTON

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66 Entries

Michele McManus

June 25, 2024

John Hatton took me under his wing back in 2000 when I started at the college. We had common colleagues, and he knew it was a big transition for me coming from media to education. John made sure I was invited to lunch - to introduce me to the boys where long-term friendships were formed. Over-time, we shared a lot of good stories and laughs - he always put a positive spin on everything, and I knew after our chats, I´d walk away with a smile and a tad bit smarter.
My heart is heavy for the Hatton family - but know that John impacted so many of our lives positively - and will always be remembered.

Ken Robb

June 24, 2024

John was a good friend and colleague for many years. We go back a long way since he replaced me at Confederation in 1987. He was steadfastly a positive person with so many ideas to make life better for people around him. It is a legacy that we should celebrate. He will be missed.

Single Memorial Tree

Angie Vistorino and family

Planted Trees

Jodie Wilson

June 8, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about John.
Thinking of you all during this most difficult time.
Sending hugs

Sandy Poirier

June 4, 2024

My sincere condolences to Annette, Jordan, and Dane Hatton.
I met John many years ago through my friendship with Jordan. I remember him as a very kind, and compassionate man. You we're all incredibly blessed to have him as a husband, and father.

Karen Peterson

June 3, 2024

I was saddened to hear about John's recent passing. I had the privilege of meeting and working with John at Confederation College and our paths have crossed at many events or meetings focussed on improving society. As a gentleman and scholar, he touched and influenced many lives through his calm demeanour and considerate attitude. My sincere condolences to the Hatton family. He will be remembered as a pillar of our community and a good family man.

Karen Peterson

Gail Murdock

June 2, 2024

It was with great sadness and shock that we learned of John's passing. He was a nimble and principled colleague and leader at Confederation College, and we offer our sincere condolences to Annette and his family. We always appreciated and enjoyed time spent with John. A great loss.

Gail & Stu Murdock

Stan & Margaret Hosanna

June 1, 2024

It saddens me to hear of John´s passing a wonderful person always kind and positive he will be missed by his wonderful family along with many others

Stewart kennedy

June 1, 2024

Kind and caring is how i will best remember John - a dear friend
He was the definition of a true gentleman
He will be missed by this community and especially his wonderful family who he was so proud of and spoke so highly of
His sound advice and calming influence will be missed by a great many of us
Stewart

Judi Maundrell

June 1, 2024

So sad to hear of John´s death and my sympathy to his family. John was a valued colleague during my time at Confederation College. He was always generous with his time, his wisdom and his ethical leadership not to mention his lovely sense of humour.

Murray Pope

May 31, 2024

Saddened to hear of John´s passing. We were classmates together at the faculty of education and shared many laughs and good times. John shared accommodations out in Nolalu with my long time friends, Chas and Lois Hamilton. I´m not sure if John shared this anecdote with you, but he along with Chas and I and John Shuttleworth were doing our Spring practice teaching in Kenora. Shuttleworth and I were waiting in Johns yellow and black Ford in the parking lot of Lakewood High School for John and Chas to finish. Before they reached the car there was an explosion from Main Street that shook the car. It happened to be the greatest unsolved bank robbery in Canadian history. The bank robber detonated a backpack full of dynamite. I would love to have had a tape of the conversations that night over dinner.
John was a good man. I will forever remember his big laugh, curly hair and of course, the moustache.
I will be seeing Chas and Lois this weekend and we will raise a glass in honour of John.

Single Memorial Tree

Lucas Jewitt & Nicole Zavagnin

Planted Trees

Toni Biniaris

May 30, 2024

My sincerest condolences to John's family, he was truly a special man. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I first joined the College, and he was very supportive in my transition, sharing his own experiences. We had great discussions and he had a wealth of wisdom to always share, along with a smile. He was a very kind, caring man, and had a special way of building relationships with people in the community. He was very well respected, and truly will be missed by all.

Pam Burton

May 29, 2024

John was my first boss at Confederation College, who became a mentor and later a friend. He knew my late father through their fly-in fishing trips and shared friendships. I have fond memories of playing in charity golf tournaments with John and catching up on what some might call juicy gossip. I have shed many tears and will miss him dearly. Riley and I loved John, very much. We are thinking of his entire family during this difficult time, and hope that the memories bring us comfort.

Gary and Cheryl Erickson

May 29, 2024

Sending our condolences to Annette and family.
We will miss John´s big smile and conversations. He was a great neighbour and always there to lend a helping hand if needed.

Margaret Hosanna

May 29, 2024

Annette, Jordan, Dane & families we are very sorry to hear about John´s passing. He was a true gentleman & always had time to chat whenever we ran into him with his friendly smile.
Cherish all your wonderful memories you shared together as a Family
Deepest Sympathy
Stan, Margaret, Trevor Hosanna

Don and Mary Pat Bernosky

May 29, 2024

We were saddened to hear of John´s passing and offer our condolences to the Hatton Family.

John was a pleasure to work with at the College. He was a dedicated professional mentor and strong leader. All is qualities, smile and caring ways left an impact. A significant loss.

In sympathy and friendship.

Don and Mary Pat Bernosky

Paul Inkila

May 29, 2024

John was definitely one of the good ones....always a gentleman and a pleasure to be around. My memories of him will be working at the College and at the start line at the Sleeping Giant Loppet.

Marion Clark

May 28, 2024

Very saddened to hear about John’s passing. We were great work friends at the college, sharing office space and also class mates at CMU. John was funny and fun. Such a great loss. My heart goes out to Annette and the boys and their families. R.I.P. my old friend.

martje haas

May 28, 2024

So very sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to Annette and family. Martje.

Jim Howie

May 28, 2024

John was always so interesting to talk to, he seemed to have a pulse on what was going on in Thunder Bay, always enjoyed our conversation, he will be missed, a great man.

Jesse Traer

May 28, 2024

I am very sad to hear of John's passing. My condolences to his family.

I met John 20 years ago when we sat on some committees together. I was just starting my career and he was the leader in the room. He was the kind of person that you meet once but he treats you like he's known you for years. He did such a great job at making people feel comfortable.

When I started my business up a couple of years ago, John went out of his way to speak highly of me to get some business my way. It was so helpful to have such a respected community member endorse me. I cannot express how much I appreciated that and how it is something I will never forget.

This community has lost a really good one. Sad day.

John Kantola

May 28, 2024

My condolences to the Hatton family. I had the pleasure to get to know John working at Confederation College. We shared many positive memories and always shared a good laugh too! John was one of the good ones who will be greatly missed.

Lisa Beckwick

May 28, 2024

My deepest sympathy, Annette and family, in the loss of John. He was always such a friendly and kind person, with a smile on his face. I worked with him at the College and then later in his role in healthcare. He will be missed by so many people in our community. With sincere condolences, Lisa Beckwick

Robin Gould

May 28, 2024

My deepest sympathies and prayers to the family. I met John as a student at Confederate College and our patches crossed multiple time over the next 30 years. He was supportive, kind and always greeted you with the best smile.
He made contributions that will impact the community long into the future both in business and many lives he touched.
Rest in peace dear John

Jackie & Roger Bobrowski

May 27, 2024

We are deeply sorry for your loss Dane. What beautiful memories you and your father shared. When you think of him, you´ll know joy.

Anya Scheibmayr

May 27, 2024

I did some work for John through Con college. He was always smiling, always encouraging and just an all around great person to be around. His passing fills me with sadness, my deepest condolences to his family and close ones.

Roy Murray

May 27, 2024

A true professional. It was a joy to know John and work with him! He was always ready to take on a tough assignment. RIP my friend. Roy Murray

John. P. Laudone

May 27, 2024

My deepest sympathies to the Hatton family. May he be remembered as he was, a great respectful man.

Bill and Helen Trochimchuk

May 27, 2024

Our deepest sympathy to the Hatton family. I first met John in the early 90's. He was leading a seminar I was attending. Later we would work together at the college for many years. He was kind, caring and always the consummate gentleman. He will be missed.

Single Memorial Tree

Kory & Tanya MacLeod

Planted Trees

John DeGiacomo

May 27, 2024

Very sorry to hear of John's passing. My condolences to Jordan and the family.

I had the good fortune of crossing paths many times with John over the years, most recently as board members for the North Superior Workforce Planning Board.

A leader who was kind and caring as well as always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

John DeGiacomo

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kim Latimer & John Rowe

Planted Trees

Kim Latimer

May 27, 2024

He will be deeply missed. He was one of the most positive, energetic, kind, caring father-figures in our lives. Our families will always be connected in friendship. We love him and miss him. He is forever in our hearts and has left a lasting legacy of friendship, community dedication and kindness.

Gord Wickham

May 27, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with John in various capacities over the years, most recently on the Board of Thunder Bay Regional. He was a valuable board member, trusted friend, and a true community leader. He will be sincerely missed. My condolences to his family.

Terri McKirdy

May 27, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with John at Confederation College and then again when he served as a director for the North Superior Workforce Planning Board. I am so sad that he has passed way too early but his legacy will live forever. He was a great man who will be missed.

Barry Maskell

May 26, 2024

I am happy to have known John during the years we spent in Thunder Bay and out at the camp at Dog Lake...

Gabriel Cousineau

May 26, 2024

such a gentleman

Dan & Michele Romanson

May 26, 2024

Very sorry to hear of John´s passing. Our condolences to the family.

Roger Souckey

May 26, 2024

My Thoughts & Prayers are with the Family.
John, you will be missed in all you did.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Nathan and Shelby Jaspers

Planted Trees

Becky & Bob Simpkins

May 26, 2024

A great guy, he will be missed

Olesia Luptak

May 26, 2024

A pleasure and an honour to have worked with John at Min. Of Culture and Rec. May God bless you and family Annette .

M

Janet Arinobu

May 26, 2024

John was a kind and caring man who I had the privilege of working with for many years. We enjoyed many good times and I am so glad we were able to keep in touch after we both left the college. Annette, you and your family are in my and prayers. John will be missed by many

Ann and Dave De Knock

May 26, 2024

Dear Annette and Family,
John was a leader, cared for all and will be missed by many. He was also a great neighbor and friend. His passing is truly sad for all who knew him.
Our deepest sympathies.
Ann and Dave De Knock

Don Holmstrom

May 26, 2024

So sad to hear of Johns passing. A life well lived and so impactful on so many. First met John way back at LU. Spent one on one time with John fishing on Lac Seul which was so much fun and he truly was as impressive as so many have noted.

Ruth Armstrong

May 26, 2024

Dear Annette & family,
I was saddened to hear about John's passing. I know you will be sustained by many happy memories in the coming days. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Ruth

Simone Laatu

May 26, 2024

Our deepest condolences to Annette and family. It was a big shock to hear of John´s passing. We will miss our chats with John while out walking the beach at Bolduc Bay, Dog Lk.

Simone and Dan Laatu

Kim Ferris

May 25, 2024

Dear Annette and Family,

My deepest condolences to you.

John was a kind and generous person, and a fantastic role model and mentor. I always looked forward to working with him as he always brought experience, intelligence, humour and dedication to the work being done.

He will be missed by many.

All my best to you, Annette, and your family.

Kim Ferris

Susan Latimer

May 25, 2024

John will be sorely missed by family & friends. John´s legacy of love & kindness will forever be remembered. Love you John, Bob & Sue

Diane Genereux

May 25, 2024

John was a caring and dedicated person who was a great role model for peers at Confederation College. I enjoyed our conversations and hearing his point of view.

My condolences to the family.

Diane Genereux

Dionnie johnson

May 25, 2024

Dear Annette and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Dionnie and John Johnson
Friend

Randy Camlin

May 25, 2024

John was a role model, mentor, a good friend. He hired me for my IT placement at the Ministry of Tourism 38 years ago and always kept in touch. A very supportive, positive individual who cared about community. A huge loss.

Wayne Zimmer

May 25, 2024

I remember John from my days with Con College. Always a smile, would give me advice during our morning meetings and was really a genuine person. Thanks John. You were one of the good ones. My condolences to the family.

Alice Clark

May 25, 2024

Dear Annette and family
Working with John was truly a pleasure, he shared his talents with so many, advocated on our behalf when needed, and above all he was a kind and generous soul! His work in our community has benefited so many. We will all miss him dearly. My heart goes out to you and your family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Alice Clark

Jeff Howie

May 25, 2024

Dear Annette and Family. John was a mentor and role model and good friend to me. Someone who always made me feel better when I was around him. He was so proud of his Family and you meant everything to him. His knowledge, skills and charisma have impacted so many organizations and people in such a positive way. I know I can´t begin to imagine what you are going through but please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers and in the thoughts and prayers of so many others. He will be missed so much.

Jeff Howie

Riley Burton

May 25, 2024

A dear friend who will be missed. A mentor and a guiding light to me, and to many he supported. Love to the family from the Burton Family.

Brian and Dallis Campbell

May 25, 2024

A great citizen of the world, friend and neighbour has gone missing from our communities. A significant loss.

Larry Hebert

May 25, 2024

Knew John from the College first, then we played old time ( Masters) basketball together. More recently we belonged to the same Christmas lunch group. John was always a friendly supportive person.

Irene Izatt

May 25, 2024

Dear Annette and family - I am so very saddened to read of John's passing. I came to know John during the years we both worked at Confederation College. He was a great person - always smiling, approachable and helpful and one of the people who made the College a great place to work. My deepest condolences to all of you at this very difficult time.
Irene Izatt

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Anar and Jesse Bobrowski

Planted Trees

MurrayDagg

May 25, 2024

Condolences to the Hatton Family
Murray and Sandy Dagg

David verescak

May 25, 2024

My condolences Dane to you and your family

Shirley Stevens, Professor (ret)., Neeganiwin

May 25, 2024

My thoughts are with the family. John was a wonderful caring soul. He was particularly a great support and ally to Indigenous programs at Confederation College often throwing his hat in the ring to help staff with the many challenges faced by Indigenous students. Miigwetch John, baamaapii
Shirley Stevens

Jan Alexander

May 25, 2024

I am so very sorry to hear about John's passing.
I had the honour of working with John for a few years at the Fort William Clinic. He always had a huge smile on his face and was always willing to face another challenge in the medical field.
My sincere condolences to Annette and his family

Margaret and Don Jewitt

May 25, 2024

Our Deepest Condolences to all the family.

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