Robert F. Beaton

Robert Francis Beaton was born May 4, 1948 to Violet & Wallace Beaton in Fargo, North Dakota. He grew up in West Fargo graduating from West Fargo High School, and then attending NDSU. He spent his summer nights “dragging Broadway” in his ’66 Charger where he met Diane Faye Hillrud in July of 1967. She liked the car, and despite the fact that Bobby borrowed $10 and failed to return it, Diane looked past her initial impression and married her sweetheart on June 6, 1969. Bob & Diane raised a family and saw the country for the next decade. Bradley Jason was born in 1972 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jamie Lynn joined her big brother in 1977 in Arvada, Colorado, and the baby of the family Scott Michael was also born in Arvada, Colorado in 1980. The Beaton family made their way “home” to Moorhead, Minnesota in 1983. Bob and Diane built their dream home on beautiful Little Cormorant Lake in Audubon, Minnesota in 2000 and lived there until Bob’s passing. Bob loved spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and Nascar racing. Bob was not known as a man of few words, and even during his last few weeks his ever present banter and wisecracks abounded. He still made sure to ask about the race and his 49’ers. He enjoyed taking meticulous care of his yard and was the king of collecting almost anything. His lasting wish was for that of peace and care of his beloved, Diane and the grandchildren he adored.

Bob passed away on March 5, 2013, at the age of 64 following a one-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Diane, his son Brad and daughter-in-law Julia, his daughter Jamie, his son Scott and “almost” daughter-in-law Lana, his grandchildren Austin Beaton, Colby, Olivia & McKinley Beaton, and Alex & James McArthur. He is also survived by his parents Wally & Vi Beaton, his brother Perry Beaton and wife Carol, his beautiful sister Barbara, his brother Jay Beaton and wife Renee, his brother Denny Beaton and wife Kim, and many other special cousins, and in-laws and friends.

Bob was preceded in death only by his infant grandson Logan Jack Beaton, who is welcoming his grandpa to Heaven with a big Beaton smile.

Bob’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff on the 7th Floor of Sanford Hospital and to the care team at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. There are not words that can adequately convey their gratitude for the wonderful care and unending compassion shown during Bob’s battle with cancer.

Visitation: One hour before the service.

Funeral: Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.