Duncan “Dunc” Beaton Jr. — best known as the former town manager for Easton and the tri-community area of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman — died June 21 at the age of 87, surrounded by loved ones.
Local officials recalled Beaton as a man of integrity and a consummate professional, who, when not working to make municipal improvements for the citizens he served, was known to strap on his ice skates and hit the rink. Beaton delved into municipal government, after serving in the military in World War II and later earning his business degree from Boston’s Northeastern University.
“Dunc served on the NMDC Executive Board for several years. He took great interest in helping the region grow and prosper,” said Robert “Bob” Clark, NMDC’s executive director.
Clark said Beaton’s opinion was highly valued by others.
“He was always one you could count on to offer constructive guidance; he was always willing to help anyone along the way,” Clark said.
Jim Kaiser, former director of the Forum in Presque Isle, was familiar with Beaton’s love of skating.
“He loved to skate — came in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, taking part in the public skating sessions almost every week,” said Kaiser.
In addition to pleasure skating, Kaiser said Beaton was “a huge hockey fan.”
“He was a member of the Gentlemen’s Hockey Association, or GHA, serving as the organization’s president at one time. It’s funny to see a guy his age – out in front on a fast break. He was like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, out in front in his 40s,” he said.
Kaiser credited Beaton for working to develop a local hockey league.
“Dunc was big into getting leagues together and working with the teams. He was one of the movers and shakers,” Kaiser said.
Tom Stevens, USDA’s rural development area director, and former Presque Isle city manager, fondly recalled working in municipal government the same time Beaton served as town manager.
“Dunc was a wonderfully talented person. He was an inspiration to other town managers,” he said.
“I found myself consulting with him on numerous occasions,” said Stevens.
Stevens said he was impressed by Beaton’s dedication to facts and details.
“He was a focused professional — a person who did his research. He always tried to deal with facts rather than emotions,” said Stevens.
A fellow Rotarian, Stevens recalled a story involving Beaton that came up during the Happy Dollar segment of one meeting.
“It was the year the Bruins won (the Stanley Cup). A group of retired Bruins — real retired players who made up a traveling group, touring and playing at fundraisers — agreed to come to the area if locals could field a team. Dunc saw to it that there was a local team and the Bruins played them for charity,” said Stevens.
“During that game, Dunc got to play and scored a goal — a real goal against retired Bruins players. You couldn’t talk to Dunc for months after that. He was so excited,” continued Stevens.
Stevens said Beaton will be remembered for his tireless dedication to others.
“Dunc had a really big heart. He was a very kind person,” said Stevens. “He’ll be missed.”
A complete obituary can be found elsewhere on page 5 of this issue.
