Peacefully, at home in the arms of his wife. Ken passed away on December 13, 2012 just four days before his 75th birthday. Predeceased by his parents, Frank G. Hatt (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Nancy Donaldson (Enid, Oklahoma) and his sister Eva Anderson. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Susan; his children, Kierstin (Brian Small), Erin Christie (Dean Snell) and Bill Christie (Anika Kelloway); grandchildren, Caius, Jackson, Rowan, Arden, Danae and Eva Mae; his twin sister, Roberta McDonald, and brothers, George (Donna) and Dave (Teal); as well as nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and thousands of ex-students all over the world.
Ken was born in Terrell, Texas and lived his early years there before moving to Douglas, Arizona for junior high and highschool. Ken was an active member of the Douglas Highschool class of ’56 where he participated in Glee Club, Hi-Y, student council and the Bulldog school newspaper and yearbook. His classmates knew him as a leader both in school and in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Ken sang harmony in his highschool barbershop quartet which won the Arizona State Championship the year they competed.
He completed his undergraduate degree at Redlands College in California, attended Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California, completed a Masters degree at California State University, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Alberta. While a graduate student, he worked full time in the California State prison system and later worked to rehabilitate gang members on the east side of Los Angeles. After teaching briefly at Eastern Oregon College, he entered the faculty of Carleton University in Ottawa in 1970, where he taught Sociology until 1995. While at Carleton, he founded the first undergraduate criminology programme in Canada. He insisted that all students must complete a term of practical experience in a criminal or social justice agency. The programme continues to this day.
In 1995, Ken and Susan moved to Victoria where Ken joined the Department of Sociology at the University of Victoria as an adjunct professor. He taught mostly large undergraduate courses until 2006 when he turned to students doing graduate work. At this time, his academic work concentrated on food, specifically trade liberalization, food governance and the impact of trade liberalization on the ability of peoples around the world to grow their own food. This work became the foundation of a graduate course at the University of Catalonia (Barcelona) which he taught for two years. He completed the second revision of his text book and saw his most recent scholarly article published just weeks before he died.
Ken was an intellectual and an academic fuelled by a strong sense of justice, a well-developed sense of humour and a heart as big as the universe. He was always completely accessible to his family, his many friends and his students. He also wrote poetry, played the ukelele and loved many things: running, soccer, biking, baseball, the Arizona desert, growing organic vegetables, everything Italian (including travel to Italy), good coffee, good wine, good music (who could forget Kenny Bongo?), Monty Python, elephants and chickens to name only a few. His passing will leave a huge hole in the lives of many.
Special thanks to Dr. Jane Papp, Dr. Christine Jones and the Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team. Donations in Ken’s honour may be made to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or a charity of your choice.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 21, 2012 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets with a reception to follow. Interment at Ross Bay Cemetery. Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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John Watters
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Susan Hatt I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those of you who have added your condolences to this page – some as recently as this year – 2019. It means a great deal to me to be reminded of Ken’s many lasting contributions to his students and colleagues. Although he has been gone for more than six years, he is still, as many of you have said, a positive presence in my life every day. It’s great to hear that he is in yours.
Fondly, Susan Hatt
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April Griffin I am so sad to read of Ken’s passing. I was thinking of him today and wondering how he was doing and found he passed away. Ken was my honours supervisor at UVIC (2005) and frankly made my education worthwhile! He truly inspired learning and both encouraged me and challenged me. He put so much heart, wonder, and intellectual curiosity into his work, while truly caring about students. He had a true zest for life, love of justice, and deep compassion for the people he met. I wish the best for his family who must truly miss his presence every day!
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Stewart Lundgren I was a sociology student of Mr. Hatt’s at Eastern Oregon College in 1970!
The other night my wife and I were recalling teachers who had influenced us positively, and Mr. Hatt came to my mind. I only knew him as Mr. Hatt, and Mr. Hatt he shall remain.
He taught intro sociology. We used literature and non-fiction of the times as our text books. Books like Rivers of Blood, Years of Darkness, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and others of those tumultuous times in America. He awakened the minds of a few fortunate students in a small eastern Oregon town to some of the truths of our times and our country……and rumor had it that he was censured and ultimately let go because he would not bend to the administrations pressure to tone it down.
He was only at EOC for that one year, I believe. I took every class that I could take from him. I ultimately chose geography for my major, but I know that what I learned from him has influenced my thinking for every one of the 47 years since I sat in his classrooms.
Thank you Mr. Hatt for the guidance of your mind for that one academic year. You were truly one of the good ones.Stewart Lundgren
Boise, Idaho
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Ben Hoffman I met Ken in the early 80s when, voluntarily, he worked with me over the summer at National Associations Active in Criminal Justice (NAACJ), in Ottawa. We wrote a paper on restorative justice in those pioneering days. Over the last two years I had emailed Ken and got no reply. I thought he may have decided we had little in common anymore and it really wasn’t worth getting back to me. Just recently I wrote a note on the 40th anniversary of NAACJ and I included Ken among a short list of giants in the field of justice reform. So I thought I’d try one more time to get in touch with him. I had lost his phone number and when I discovered Ken’s Obituary online I was shocked. I couldn’t believe Ken had died in 2012! I was terribly saddened. I wondered how Susan was. Where she was. Strangely, Ken’s old UVic business card popped up and I called Susan. What could I say? So may others had said wonderful things about Ken, spanning years of friendship and collegiality: his easy smile, humility, tenacity in the pursuit of justice. Ken had an exceptional inner light the glow of which I was privileged to feel. It won’t go out in my mind. Warmly, for Susan and family. Ben Hoffman
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Rocque Berthiaume I first met Ken in the summer of 1979 as an undergraduate at Carleton when he hired me as his Research Assistant for the year. I was immediately impressed by his humanity and dedication to students as well as his interests in First Nations people and others who had unfortunately been incarcerated. I was inspired by his optimism and once he discovered that I was of indigenous heritage and had close family members in maximum security institutions his compassion and generosity helped me finish my undergraduate degree as well as my Master of Arts. Subsequently, I spent over 30 years teaching Sociology and Anthropology retiring this year. Ken shaped the foundation of my career and just as importantly helped me understand how to overcome the effects of living with people who were incarcerated. He opened his heart and his home to me and his generosity will always be remembered. Good bye , good friend.
Rocque Berthiaume
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Tonio Sadik Sadly, I just learned of Ken’s passing… Professor Hatt was my supervisor as an undergraduate student at Carleton in the early 1990s. He was a committed and compassionate man / academic who has shaped my own approach to work / academia. He has left us a positive legacy. My condolences to his family.
Tonio
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Susan Christie Hatt You would have been 76 today, Kenny. Miss you so much every moment.
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John MacDonald I had Ken for a crim course 1981-82 at Carleton. He was one of the few Prof’s that made it easy to go to class and take in a wide range of things on his mind. I am saddened to just now hear about his passing. RIP.
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Christopher Lyon I am sadly only learning of this now. I was fortunate to meet Ken in early 2012 after I completed my MSc in Rural Sociology at the University of Alberta and moved to Victoria. We met for coffee after he read my thesis and found us of similar mind. He was one of the most inspiring people I have met anywhere, and it was clear that he truly loved his work, and maintained a passion for it. It was a privilege to have met him.
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Ann Hewitt When I was in graduate school, Ken helped me understand how strength can be gentle. I have held that to heart ever since.
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Kate Martin Ken was awesome. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to meet him. My heart goes out to his close family and friends
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Ed Boldt Ken and I were graduate students together at the University of Alberta.
We kept in contact over the years, and while we did not see each other very often, remained good friends. These messages of condolence confirm what I always knew, namely, that the world would be a far better place with many more Ken Hatts in it. He was as fine a human being as I have ever known, and I will miss him.
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Janet McMullan To my dear friend Susan and her family, My heart goes out to you at this sad time. I wish I had known Ken longer. He was an amazing man. Here’s to a life well-lived. Love, Janet
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Marion Kelloway What a wonderful obituary. I would have loved to have known Ken better. He was such an interesting man. It must be a difficult time for you this holiday. I’m glad you are trying to do at least one pleasant activity a day and spending time with family and friends. We’re thinking about you here. Take care and best wishes. Marion
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John de Vries It was a shock when I read about Ken’s death in the Ottawa Citizen. We were colleagues in the Sociology department at Carleton for quite a few years. While our disciplinary interests didn’t overlap much, I remember Ken as a good colleague, someone you could rely on. His hard work on behalf of the criminology program will be an everlasting testimony to his dedication.
My wife, Gerda, and I fondly remember a visit to Ken and Susan many years ago when we were staying in Victoria. We also regret not having been in contact when we were again in Victoria last September.
Our condolences and best wishes to Susan.
Farewell, old friend!
John and Gerda de Vries
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Ron Saunders I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s death. I had the privilege of working with him for many years at Carleton and he was a wonderful colleague. He had a kind and gentle nature – always positive and helpful, and he was dedicated to his students and to his field. Ken was instrumental in the development and growth of the Criminology program at Carleton and it remains today one of its most popular programs. He was very much missed when he left Carleton for the west coast.
My condolences to Susan and Ken`s family,
Ron Saunders
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Larry and Sandi Johnson Susan and family our hearts are with you at this time. We are saddened by Ken’s departure from our lives. We feel like we missed out on really spending time with you and Ken. The caliber of person he was is very rare in our lives. We will miss you all in the desert so very much. We hope the light of love shines on you for all of the days to come. With love to you.
Larry and Sandi Johnson and family
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MaryAnn Ead Susan, I am so sorry to learn that Ken has passed away. Please accept my condolences and sincere regret I wasn’t around more.
MaryAnn
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Nana Sakamoto Susan,
Condolences to you and your family.
Nana Sakamoto, Y Walkers.
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Roseann O'Reilly Runte Dear Mrs. Hatt and Members of the Hatt family,
On behalf of the faculty, staff, alumni and students of Carleton University, I offer our sincere condolences. Dr. Hatt will be remembered with great respect and admiration by his collegues here. The Criminology program which he started stands as a tribute to his leadership. His books and articles represent his intellectual activities while his former students’ successes demonstrate his kindness and caring.
While we cannot be there for the funeral today, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely yours, Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President, Carleton Univ.
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Roberta Russell Dear Susan and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I was a student of his in the early 1970s. He was an amazing professor and human being – bright, inspiring, and a wonderful sense of humour. He truly seemed to love teaching. I eventually completed a doctoral program, thanks in large part to his encouragement in those early years.
My sincerest sympathy,
Roberta Russell
Kemptville, ON
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Theresa Daly A special note to Kierstin. Your Ottawa friends from the 1970’s hold the strong memory of your Dad as a generous, compassionate, funny parent to all of us in residence.
I was so grateful your Dad reached out to us in his final months. We were able to thank him for all he was to us and we got to say goodbye. We have also had a cyber reunion of sorts because of your Dad. Blessings to you at this sad time.
Theresa Daly ( class of 1977 )
Guelph.
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elaine murphy tourtelotte Dear Susan,
YOu are in my prayers. MaryAlice told me of Ken’s death. Death of a beloved husband, I am sure, is very difficult at any time. Near Christmas must be even more difficult.
With love,
elaine ’65
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John Cairns My condolences to Sausan and the family. I would describe Ken as one of those very few men who was always gentle and caring to everyone that he came into contact with. Ken had a way about him that made you feel at ease and you felt that he truly cared about you. I will miss Ken.
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John Vandoremalen Dear Susan ans family:
I was very sorry to read in the Ottawa Citizen about Ken’s passing and I want to extend to all of you my sincerest sympathy. I am one of the “thousands of ex-students” who Ken taught at Carleton University in 1969/70. He was one of a handful of professors from whom I learned a learned a great deal and who inspired me to pursue a career in criminology.
Ken was, indeed, inspirational. He taught with passion and enthusiasm, and it was infectious. His classes brimmed with an exchange of knowledge, insight and understanding about the human condition. His lectures were fun, interesting and a hoot. He had a unique way of integrating the theory of researchers and academics with the brutal reality of his own personal experience in corrections and criminal justice.
After Carleton I went on to complete a Masters in Criminology at Ottawa University and subsequently pursued a career in correction and parole – 25 years in various positions at the Correctional Service of Canada and 10 years as Director of Communications at the National Parole Board. Throughout my career I can truly say that Ken’s influence continued to resonate and have impact on me personally. I stayed in touch with him periodically over the years but lost contact when he moved to B.C.
I retired 5 years ago but continue to look back at my university studies under people like Ken with fondness and appreciation. He touched the lives of many people who went on to make a significant contribution the Canada’s corrections and criminal justice system. You and your family, and especially the grandchildren who may not have known Ken the same way I have, can be very proud of him and his accomplishments. I will certainly remember him fondly and I am sure you and your family will have many fond and lasting memories of Ken.
Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and my prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Yours sincerely
John Vandoremalen
Ottawa, Ontario
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Audrey Baker Dear Susan& family,
Hial and I would like to say we are so sorry to here that Ken passed away. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
We didn’t know Ken well but from the obituary he must have had a
wonderful life.
Take care SusanHial & Audrey Baker
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Claudia Currie My most sincere condolences to Susan, and to all of Ken’s family.
What a wonderful man Ken was. He truly made a difference, in the lives of countless individuals, and in a much broader sense through his justice work, and national and international concerns.
Ken leaves this world far too soon.
Friend and former student,
Claudia Currie
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Florence Scott (Holbrook) Susan
My prayers are with you and family
What a person ken was he will always.be with us.
It was my pleasure to have grown up with him in Douglas
Going to church and singing, the youth group . we will always.remember the good time.
He may be gone but not forgottenFlorence Scott (Holbrook
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Lynn Baber Dear Susan,
I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to attend the funeral service tomorrow. I’m driving to Kamloops for the holidays. I will attend the Celebration of Life planned for the spring and I’ll be so pleased to participate with our chorus. My thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. As you told me recently, you and Ken had many wonderful years together and hopefully, these memories will help you at this time. Looking forward to seeing you again soon Susan.
Sincerely, Lynn Baber
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Carren Dujela I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. The world was made better because of him. He had an uncanny ability to make you feel at ease and challenge you to put your best effort forth. May you find comfort during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely, Carren Dujela
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Anita Fownes Dear Susan
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. From his obituary, I note he lead a full life. .
My thoughts are with you as you soldier on.
Anita Fownes, former Y hiker
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Dave Hatt It’s great to read these other comments from respected colleagues and students. My brother at times seemed to be an intimidating intellectual force, but that, I think, was my way of dealing with my lack of knowledge of his subject. He was always a great friend to me. Due to the separation in our ages (16 years), I do not remember him being around when I was young, but I always treasured his visits home, and we have enjoyed visiting the home in Victoria. Thank you Susan for all your kindness towards Teal and myself.
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Maria Candito Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I know you will miss him very much. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Maria
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Maureen Harrington I share the sorrow of many at hearing that Ken has passed away. I send my condolences to Susan and Kiersten and family on your loss.
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Wanda Jamieson and Mike Harrington We are very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Wanda and Mike
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Don Whyte Ken and I were colleagues at Carleton University as well as neighbours and family friends in Ottawa. Ken was a dedicated colleague, a highly respected teacher, and an inspiration to his students. His approach to education emphasized hands on experience and the criminology program which he established at Carleton placed a high premium on it’s ‘practicum’ and work in the community. Ken was passionate about his mission and he instilled that passion in his students. To Susan and Kiersten and family I extend my sincere condolences.
Don Whyte
Sechelt, B.C.
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Rachel I am so sorry to hear of this news and my thoughts are with Ken’s family. I didn’t have the opportunity to work closely with Ken when I was in the Department of Sociology at UVic but many of my fellow students did and I know he was very highly regarded both academically and as someone who was kind, engaging, and generous. I enjoyed reading his obituary – what a wonderful life he had!
Rachel Phillips
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Tammy Medwedrich I was a Sociology student of Ken’s, probably about 10 or so years ago now at UVIC. I wish to offer my condolences to his family and felt compelled to let anyone reading this know that of all the professors that I had over the course of my undergraduate degree, Ken was without a doubt the one that had made the most resounding impressions on my perspectives of the world of Sociology. I was only a face in a crowd of over a hundred students in a lecture hall, and I don’t know that he knew me personally, but his words always had so much meaning for me when I listened to him lecture. Not only was he great at ‘talking the talk’, I always had a sense that he genuinely ‘walked the walk’ – a highly respectable quality of any amazing teacher, and that he was indeed. I’ve thought back often over the past ten years about one lecture he gave in particular when he was talking about Capitalism and consumerism and how we as the general population, “the masses” are persuaded to think or behave a certain way. His example was wedding/engagement rings. He challenged us to think about/question why it was that the majority of North American women had wedding and/or engagement rings with diamonds in them, and then proceeded to show us and tell us about his own wedding ring, which, if I recall correctly was made from turquoise. I don’t know exactly why that lecture was such a profound one to me, as it seems like such a simple concept to me now. Perhaps it was just the ‘realness’ of who I sensed he was, or maybe it was just that it was so darn simple when he put it that way that there was no refusing how much sense it made to question “why diamonds?” But whatever it was, I can tell you that this teaching of Ken’s and indeed many other Hatt lectures have without a doubt influenced the person I am today. I think of him fondly, am grateful for having had the opportunity to listen to his wise words, and wish his family and friends peace.
Sincerely,
Tammy Medwedrich
I was a student in the Criminology program from 1981 to 1984 and completed my placement under the supervision of Ken Hatt. What impressed me most was how he treated me not as a student but as a person I remember one particular moment when the exam schedule came out and he asked me what my schedule was like. I told him that I had three exams and two were on the same day. He told me “If you need more time for your final paper let me know”. I did not need the extension, but the fact he offered it showed how much he knew me as a person and that he was committed to academic success. I know this is a late entry, but I remember Ken still.