Obituary of Ronald Arthur Beaton

BEATON, Ronald Arthur - Port Hawkesbury/New Waterford, Age 83, of Port Hawkesbury passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Ronald and Ruth (Cameron) Beaton of New Waterford and was the eldest of three children.

Ron left home at an early age to join the army which would allow him to marry his high school sweetheart, Joanne Beaton (Milley) and begin their family together. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Rhonda, in 1961, he deployed with the Canadian Peacekeepers to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was very proud of his military service, being a group recipient of the Nobel Prize and being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43, Port Hawkesbury. In 1964 Ron and Joanne had a son, Sheldon, while Ron was a constable with the Halifax Police Department. To be able to better provide for his family, Ron accepted a job with the Ontario Provincial Police and had lots of great stories about his days as a motorcycle cop.

As with many Cape Breton couples, Ron and Joanne longed for the opportunity to move home to be near their close-knit families and eventually settled in Port Hawkesbury in 1970. Ron was very involved in the sports, businesses and politics of the community. Ron was instrumental in the creation of a successful football program that ran for many years as well as coaching minor hockey and sitting as President of the organization. He was a partner in a mobile home business in the 1970's and managed a number of businesses in the area over the years. He will probaly be best remembered as the "big guy" from Wal-Mart, where he retired at age 70.

Ron was a devoted and protective father to Rhonda Veniot (Mike) and Sheldon Beaton (Stephanie) whom had his constant love and attention. Ron's tough exterior and raucous stories forever softened with the coming of grandchildren. Ron was extremely proud of every accomplishment and milestone of Addie and John Veniot (Zoe), Kamloops, BC and new great-grandson, Remi Veniot, Rory Beaton (Gracie) of Mabou; Molly and Shamus Beaton, Port Hawkesbury. Ron was predeceased by Joanne, his loving wife of 62 years in January 2024 and looked forward to nothing more than to be dancing in her arms for eternity. He was also predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Ruth (Cameron) Beaton and his younger sister, Ruthie Vekeman. Ron is survived by his younger brother, Cameron Beaton (Ada), Pictou, NS; as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and their families who have been loved and adored by him since being accepted into their lives through marriage.

Ron's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Cam and Ada as well as Florence and Isabel for all the special attention and care shown to Ron over the past several years.

At Ron's request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Ron's memory may be made to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region Branch or to the Canadian Cancer Society of NS. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com 

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