Sheldon Robie Hatt - 86, of New Minas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Thursday, May 24, 2012, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Kentville, he was a son of the late Spurgeon and Bertha (Walker) Hatt. He spent his younger years in Steam Mill, Kings County and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He became a carpenter and later was employed with the Dominion Atlantic Railway, retiring as a conductor in 1985. During retirement he and his wife “Vange” spent 10 years wintering in Florida. They were members of the High Tide Drifters, spending many summers traveling throughout Canada. He is survived by his children, Terry (Mary), Grafton; Bob (Theresa), New Minas; Shelley (Peter) McDowell, Kentville; daughter-in-law, Cathy MacMillan, Wentzell’s Lake; grandchildren, Jennifer (Steve) Hulme, British Columbia; Allison (Jamie) Bowden, Halifax County; Stephen (Lisa), Yarmouth; Jason, Kentville; Robert, Coldbrook; Jocelyn (Matt Rice), Wolfville; Brian and Christopher, New Minas; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, the former Evangeline “Vange” Heffernan; his son, Brian; one sister, Mabel; three brothers, Ellis, Clarence, and Harold; and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2012, in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, Father Craig Christenson officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. The family express their sincere appreciation for the care and compassion shown to Sheldon by Doctor Ann Gordon, and all the nurses in the I.C.U. of the Valley Regional Hospital. Donations in memory may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.