Colin F. Beaton, 83, Was Businessman, Veteran

Colin F. Beaton of Blue Diamond, Nev., formerly of Brockton, died Dec. 12, 2003 in his sleep at Creekside Hospice in Las Vegas after a brief but debilitating illness. He was the husband of Eleanor (Callahan) Beaton.

Born in Brockton on August 5, 1920, a son of the late C. Francis and Florence (McCarthy) Beaton, he was raised in Brockton, attended Saint Patrick's School in Brockton, Brockton High School and St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946 and spent two years in the Pacific from 1944 to 1946.

He was the president of the Brockton Ice and Coal Company, a business of long standing in the Brockton area, which was founded by his grandfather. He was a member of the Brockton Knights of Columbus and the Commercial Club of Brockton for many years. He was also a member of the Brockton Rotary Club and served on the board of directors for the Old Colony YMCA from 1962 to 1972, having served as president of the board from 1969 to 1971. He was an avid sports fisherman, a champion hand ball player at the YMCA and a champion bowler.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by five children, Karen Porter of Easton, Kevin Beaton of Sparks, Nev., Donald Beaton of West Tisbury, Jean Leavitt of Blue Diamond, Nev., and Sarah Watkins of Tucson, Ariz.; four sisters, Rose Rossi of West Bridgewater, Lillian Toole of Onset, Eva Lepine of Hallandale. Florida and Joan Diaz of Onset; three granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. He was also brother of the late Angus R. Beaton.

A memorial service will be held at the Holy Cross Church, Easton, on Wednesday, May 19, at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by the Robert J. Kane Funeral Home, 605 Washington street, Easton. In lieu of flowers Donations may be sent to Caring for Kids Fun, Brockton VNA, 500 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301.