Malcolm BEATON

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BEATON: Malcolm MacLean (Mac) 1929-2012. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mac on Feb. 14, 2012 in Victoria, B.C.. Mac will be terribly missed by his children Ross, Heather, and Scott; grandchildren Karissa, Aaron, and Matt; and his great- grandchildren Peyton and Brett. Mac was predeceased by his wife Jean Beaton (nee Ross). Mac was born in Brandon, Man. in 1929 and was a skilled player of the bagpipes. He played on a child's chanter with remarkable skill at 4yrs. of age, and played a miniature size set of pipes at 5 yrs. of age. He entered his first open piping competition in the Boy's Class, at the Brandon Highland Games in 1935 at the age of 6 yrs., and was awarded a Silver Cup. He played Marches, Strathspeys, Reels, and Jigs with exraordinary skill and was believed to be the youngest piper on the American continent at that time. Mac was also an accomplished hockey player and played two years (1947- 1948) with the Wheat Kings Juniors, who in the latter year went to the Memorial Cup finals, alas losing to Montreal. Mac went on to play for the Sydney Millionaires, the P.E. Islanders, and for Streathham (English league). Mac also played for the Sarnia Sailors, New Haven, Brandon Elks, Dauphin Kings, and played the 1954-55 season with the Intermediate Wheat Kings. Mac worked for Old Dutch Foods in Brandon before "retiring" after 35 yrs. He went on to work for Tim Hortons before finally retiring at the age of 82 when he moved to Victoria to be with his daughter Heather. Mac will be missed by all who knew him for his keen mind and his wonderful sense of humor. A memorial service will be held on Mon. Feb. 20, 2012 - 11 a.m. at Sands Funeral Chapel- Colwood, 317 Goldsteam Ave., Victoria, B.C.. No flowers please - if friends so desire, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. Messages of condolence may be sent to: The Beatons, 7908-36 Avenue N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T3B 1V7.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 17, 2012