Hastin was born August 21, 1925 in Jamaica, West Indies and moved to Punta Gorda 20 years ago from Brooklyn, New York. He was a business co-owner of the Ronella Lasing Corporation in Manhattan, New York. He was a correctional officer for many years in New York City. He was an author who inspired many readers with the books he has written such as “A Mouth Full of Life” and “A Candle for Bobby”. Hastin was a happy go lucky man who was always on the go but was always there for you when you needed him. He was a devoted brother, father and husband and a great friend to all who loved and knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Elsie Dobson; two daughters, Dr. Flora Howie of Tampa, FL and Dr. Jolan Rhodes of Hyattsville, Maryland; two sons, Andre Puckering of Wellington, FL and Malcolm Puckering of St. Cloud, FL; three sisters, Doslin Harris of London, England, Lena Clarke and Ethel Rice of Punta Gorda, FL; a cousin, Alfonso Trewick of Tamarac, FL; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving son, Owen Dobson.