Gerald Cyril Beaton

August 7,1953 - February 3, 2024

Born in Inverness, Cape Breton.

Father- N. Cyril Beaton Harbour View.

Mother - Kathleen MacMaster Beaton Judique.

Gerald grew up in Fairview, a tight knit community in Halifax. Summers were bicycles and ground hockey. Winters, hockey at the rink and on the ponds.

On February 9, 1964 Gerald came home from Fairview arena, still in his gear. He settled down in front of the tv. Skates in the air. It was Ed Sullivan. The Beatles. Not long after, his father slid a shiny new Hagstrom guitar across the carpet in his direction. In a few days Gerald had swapped it for a well used Les Paul.

A band with Fairview mates was soon formed. See Nova Scotia Classic Rock.

Gerald's music interests were broad. Dan R MacDonald Scottish violin. Paraguayan classical composer, Barrios. Samba, tango, blues and jazz. His sound was blues influenced, calling to mind Grant Green. He was strict in honing his skills and he respected all players. No one could comp like Gerald.

Gerald was a life-long learner. In the years before the internet he had to search hard for information related to jazz. As a working musician he studied music at the University of Western Washington.

Gerald played in pit orchestras for theatre, in Montreal discos, in ballroom bands. He did a stint playing banjo for the symphony. He especially liked to accompany singers. Gerald would get together with his mates, who put theory to work in the creation of jazz.

At the end of her years, Gerald lived with his mother in Fairview. She felt happy and secure. When she played piano Gerald accompanied her on guitar.

Gerald is survived by his sisters Angela, Valerie ( David Knapman) and brothers Kevin (Karen) and Murdoch ( Michele) and a large extended family.

We would like to thank staff at the Halifax Infirmary, ICU 5.2 and IMCU. The excellent care provided to Gerald enabled family and friends to share quality time with him during his illness.

A visitation for Gerald will be held Friday, February 9, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at JA Snow Funeral Home , 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A memorial service will occur Saturday, February 10 at 1:00 pm at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 6476 Bayer's Road , followed by reception at Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Road.