On Monday, August 29, 2022, Edward Joseph Beaton passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of heart failure with his devoted family by his side. He died as he had lived, squeezing every last drop out that he could. How he would have loved to have stayed.
Edward is survived by his son, Colton, the pride and joy of his life; his mother, Mary Buchanan, his five sisters, Pauline Furlong (Donald), Rosemary Gillies (Bernard), Helen Simon (Paul), Nancy Beaton (Andre Albert) and Jennifer Radford (Mark); and his friend and Colton’s mom, Dawn McLaine. He was Uncle Ed to Mia and Lauren Furlong; Logan, Cole and Olivia Simon; Eric and Alex Albert and Jakob, Liam, Ben and Emily Radford.
Ed was predeceased by his father, Neil Paul Beaton and his stepfather, Freeman Buchanan.
As a father to Colton, Ed was all in from the moment of birth. He was indulgent, caring and generous as a Dad, reveling in the big and little moments alike, guiding his son, sharing tips for life’s trials and tribulations, providing fatherly advice and, also, a wise word as necessary. He imparted his great love of moving parts...snowmobiles, motorcycles, side by sides, jet skis and most recently, an electric bicycle to Colton from an early age, teaching him how things worked and what to do if they didn’t. This ran the gamut from taking care of a property, running a generator and building a bonfire to caring for animals and wildlife, growing a garden and enjoying its bounty.
With warmer weather each year in Colton’s childhood came camping season, a time when the two of them would happily take to the open road in a 35-foot trailer equipped with everything they could possibly need and a bit more, including a pair of large leather captains chairs that provided the perfect spot for the compatible duo to relax at day’s end. With cooler weather came different pursuits: the Highlands were the perfect playground for snow adventures, side by side trips and fishing.
Those who knew Ed, knew of a great sense of humor. He was blessed with and cultivated a dry wit that, delivered with perfect comedic timing, could lighten most any conversation.
He also had a huge heart. He served as a Good Samaritan to countless numbers of people over his 54 years, never hesitating for a minute to step up, particularly for those who were most vulnerable. As was his nature, all was done privately, with nary a whisper from Ed; it is only in the last few days we have learned the scope of his compassion and generosity.
Ed was also fiercely devoted to his work, working alongside three cousins who were more like brothers. He was Project Manager and Estimator at Zutphen Contractors, a family-owned company that has grown into one of the largest marine and heavy civil construction companies in the province. His smarts and savvy are credited with helping build the company to where it stands today, with projects such as Sydney’s Marine Berth 2, Sydney’s Tar Ponds Remediation, Maritime Link and numerous provincial highway infrastructure projects and reconstruction in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Ed never complained. As kidney failure began two years ago, followed by the rigors of dialysis, he grudgingly accommodated the disease as was needed, but resolutely refused to give it more than that. It never defined him. Work and Colton remained his priorities until the very end.
For anyone so inclined, the best way to honor Ed’s life would be to commit a random act of kindness. If anyone finds out, it doesn’t count. Ed would love that.
Visitation will take place on Friday, September 2 from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. in Port Hood and Area Resting Place. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 3 at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Port Hood officiated by Fr. Eugene Morris and assisted by Fr. Joby Augustin. Internment will take immediately afterward in the parish cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Parish Cemetery Fund, Port Hood or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
The funeral is under the arrangement of Inverness Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be offered to the family at www.invernessfuneral home.com
