Brunswick - Donald Beaton passed quietly away on Saturday, March 18, at Coastal Landings in Brunswick, Maine. He was 81. Everyone who knew

Donald enjoyed his company. He had a quick and disarming wit, and was especially adept at word play. He was a master at narrating circuitous jokes that drew his listeners in before surprising them with the perfectly timed punch line.

Born in Port Arthur, Ontario, Donald was raised in Noranda, Quebec. Donald received a BA in Mathematics at McGill University and earned his Masters degree at Wesleyan. Donald taught math briefly in Switzerland, returning to North America to continue teaching math at Choate School in Connecticut, Lakefield in Ontario and eventually settling in New England with the faculty of Norwich University. The life of a secondary school teacher beckoned, however, and Donald became Chair of Mathematics and Dean of Students at Green Mountain Valley School, where he remained until 1993.

In 1973 Donald bought a cabin on the Kennebec River, in the town of Arrowsic, Maine. He loved to watch the river and give parties that were filled with good cheer and laughter. All of these featured his exceptional culinary skills, which he had honed in an école du cuisine in Paris, and some of which were highlighted by dancing, at which he excelled.

Whether in Vermont, or Maine, Donald opened his doors to all. Frequent visitors over the years were his Canadian family, Bill and Beverley and their children, Kathryn, Heather and Neil. Fond memories include rolling out our sleeping bags in the yurt, happy hour on the Big Rock and more sleeping bags on the floor over the Den after a day of skiing.

Moving full-time to Arrowsic, Donald continued to teach at Thomas College and Colby College in Waterville, and eventually Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Brunswick, Maine. His final post was as Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at New Hampshire College, also in Brunswick.

Donald had a longstanding, wide circle of friends, many of whom knew him as “Bull.” His friends’ children often called him “Uncle Donald” and he was a fixture in their lives. He especially looked forward to his weekly poker games and an occasional trip to sporting events with a group of his friends from Bath. Just a few nights before his passing, he seemed especially pleased when he returned to Coastal Landing and reported that he had not only enjoyed the evening, but had come back a bit ahead.

Donald is survived by his brother Bill’s wife Beverley and their three children, and their families.

All are welcome to celebrate Donald;s life with us at the Kennebec Tavern, 119 Commercial Street, Bath on May 13, 2017 from 2:00 - 5:00pm.