Earl Beaton passed away at his home in Stratford, PEI, on Thursday April 8, 2021, at the age of 88. Earl was the oldest son of Lester and Janet (Richards) Beaton of Charlottetown, the husband of the late Edith Beaton, as well as the much-loved father of Deborah (Ian MacDonald) of Stratford, David (Michelle LaVie) of Charlottetown, and Susan (Fern Silva) of Alexandra. He will be missed by an adoring extended family including grandchildren Joel MacDonald (Heather Coughlin) and great-grandson William; Luke MacDonald (Sophia Stattmiller) and great-grandson James; Brett Beaton (Amanda Ramsay); Nathan Trainor (Brittany Boothroyd); Taryn Callaghan (Scott) and great-grandchildren Shay, Declan, Keira, and Ronan, and Megan Trainor (Ray Martell). Earl was the oldest of four brothers including: Keith (Marjorie) who pre-deceased him; Ralph (Aline); and Wayne (Brenda). Earl will also be greatly missed by his dear companion Phyllis MacDonald of Charlottetown. Earl was truly an inspirational family patriarch.

Earl was a well-known Island businessman, with his first venture into the working world being at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Charlottetown, followed by his advancement through various management positions with Eaton’s of Canada in Charlottetown, Moncton, and Halifax. He then took on an owner partnership in the H.L. Sear Insurance Company before retiring from that in the late 1970’s. His later endeavours involved the operation and advancement of many other local businesses, earning him the respect that was felt by the business community when he was named a Recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Charlottetown Rotary Club. Earl’s community service was broad and was evidenced by his life-long service to Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown and his long service as a Board member at St. John House.

Earl’s family and friends have fond memories of summers spent in their travel trailer at Bagnall’s Campground in Stanhope where many stories were told, and friendships made. His many neighbours over the years will remember him as the person who was quick to smile, willing to lend a helping hand, and always on the move. He carried with him and lived by the words attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “People are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from Zion Presbyterian Church, by invitation only or via live-stream on the church’s webpage. Interment in Cross Roads Cemetery. If so desired, memorials to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation or Zion Presbyterian Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com