Richard “Dick” Anthony Beaton, age 97, of Helena, died peacefully the morning of December 13, 2014. Dick was born December 22, 1916 in Lemmon, South Dakota.
Dick was a pioneer in radio technology, building his own radios and crystal sets as a teenager. He earned his first amateur radio operator license on June 14, 1934. He graduated from Fargo High School in June 1935. Two weeks later his dad took him down and signed him up for the Civilian Conservation Corp. (He received 30 silver dollars per month and sent 25 home.) When it was discovered he had an amateur radio license, he immediately became the radio operator at Camp Larimore, North Dakota.
In 1938 Dick attended Port Arthur Radio School in Texas. Shortly after, he was hired by Northwest Airlines on February 8, 1938 – a “red letter” date he celebrated every year. His first assignment was in Helena. He lived in a boarding house downtown, walking to work at the airport every day. In 1942, the airlines sent him to Ladd Field, Fairbanks, AK to set up a radio station in support of World War II. During his 43-year career with Northwest Airlines, he had a number of management positions throughout the northwest. He ended his career where it began, retiring as Station Manager in Helena in 1981.
March 24, 1954 he appeared on the television show “I’ve Got A Secret” and won. His secret: he was pick-pocketed at a Policeman’s Ball.
Dick was a lifetime golfer and shot a hole-in-one on the 12th hole of Esmeralda golf course, Spokane, WA June 2, 1961. Later, he served on the Helena Golf Board when Bill Roberts Golf Course expanded from 9 to 18 holes. Through the years, he and his wife Rayleen enjoyed many golf/travel adventures including a Caribbean golf cruise.
Dick was always an active member of the Capital City Amateur Radio Club where he held a number of leadership positions. He never missed checking into the “net” every Tuesday evening.
After retirement Dick studied piano technology, learning the skills to become a Registered Piano Technician. In addition to tuning pianos, he bought, repaired, and sold more than 135 pianos. He tuned his last piano at the age of 90.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Alma, sisters Jeanette and Mary Anne, brother Eugene, and wife Jessie. He is survived by his brothers Jim of Pelican Rapids, MN, Jack and wife Mary of Moorhead, MN, and Walt and wife June of Bristol, VA. And, from his first marriage, son George and wife Dixie of Murray, UT, daughters Mary McTigue and husband Brian, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Janet Lutz and husband Gib of San Diego, CA, Beverly Oster and husband Jeff of Laguna Niguel, CA. He is also survived by his wife of 49 years, Rayleen; their son Charlie and wife Barbie of Missoula, MT; and daughter Katie Walters and husband David of Silverdale, WA; 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 17th, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, December 18th, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. Rite of Committal will immediately follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Dick was a devout Catholic and always an active parishioner. Please send memorial gifts to the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 North Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601, or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 17, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 18, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
350 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Immediately following funeral Mass
Thursday December 18, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the graveside service
Thursday December 18, 2014
In the social hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday December 17, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 18, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
350 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Immediately following funeral Mass
Thursday December 18, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the graveside service
Thursday December 18, 2014
In the social hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Kelly LaFountaine says
Rayleen and Charlie, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to know Dick. His laugh will be missed by us.
Ron Mercer says
Dick was a great boss – I enjoyed working for him at Northwest Airlines. I have the photos of Dick starting at the Helena Airport in 1938 as a radio operator. I remember that was quite a story about how he came to Helena in 1938 and also remember him telling me that they withheld 50 cents for taxes from his first paycheck (think it was $50). He also talked about walking to the Airport from north Rodney as he did not have a car at that point in time. I also remember all of the piano business stories – quite a guy.
Shelley Beaton Ford says
Dear Rayleen and family,
Whenever I think of Uncle Dick I think of all the magic tricks and the quarters that magically appeared out of my ears! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Barbara, Michael and Luke Sheridan says
Rayleen,
So saddened by Dick’s death. You and he have been such blessings to us. Please be assured of our prayers!
Joan (Beaton) & Chris Lerdahl says
Dear Rayleen & Family: We’re so thankful to have had the chance to see you last summer. It was wonderful to catch up and for our kids to meet their grandpa’s brother and great aunt. I too remember the quarter trick, the funny jokes and the many times our piano was tuned. Your family is our thoughts and prayers, and we know he’s in good company in Heaven.
Renee (Beaton) & Greg Johnson says
Dear Rayleen & Family; I am another of Dick’s Nieces, daughter of Jack Beaton who just turned 90, (Dick’s Brother). I loved it when Dick and Rayleen would come visit Fargo/Moorhead. Dick would bring his bag of tricks as in quarters and cards! He fooled us all and we all wondered how could he do this! And yes our dear old piano – he tuned it by ear and it always came to life after he would twist and turn those strings! Dick will be missed by all. Our Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Wayne Beckman family says
Dear Rayleen and family,
Our prayers and love go out to you. Dick was a friend, mentor, and a blessing to his church and faith. May beautiful memories of him comfort you.
Dick and Lonni Beaton says
Dear Rayleen and Family,
I will always remember my uncle Dick (especially for his corny magic tricks, which I still do for my grandchildren.) Glad we got together for a few martinis back in 2011 and caught up on a lot of good stories and memories. Are thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Martin Coddington says
Dick was the NW Station Manager in BIL at the same time my Dad, Chuck, was the Western Station Manager there. Our family was somewhat close to the Beatons and as years went by it seems to me that my wife and I visited Jessee in Spokane, or perhaps HLN. Dick always had time for kids and I remember my fascination with his hobby as a Ham Radio Operator. I would watch and listen for long periods of time. If my memory serves, his call sign/license number was “W 7 Sugar Able William”. This was the late 40s or early 50s, so you can see, if my memory is correct, Dick left a 60+ year mark on me. Good guy he was.
Laurie House says
Dear Rayleen, Thank you so much for letting us care for Dick. I feel blessed to have met you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear Rayleen and family, We are saddened to hear of Dick’s passing.
Cherish all the good memories you have. Hugs to all of you. We will keep you in our prayers
Bryce "Gus" Gustke says
Dick was my boss at Northwest Airlines in Helena from 1971 until his retirement. I always enjoyed listening to all of his stories and adventures, he was a great boss and a great person, he will be greatly missed. My prayers are with Rayleen, Charlie, Katie and family.
Ken and Gail Curtis says
What a wonderful experience we had in Helena MT and Dick and Rayleen had a great deal to do with that. We feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity. Our thoughts are with the family and our prayers are with you also.
Diane Beaton says
Dear Rayleen and Family
I have many fond memories of Dick and the long visits we would have as a family sitting around the table sharing our stories. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Ralph (REB) Betcher says
Dick was a great friend and Boss. Enjoyed working with him and time on the golf course. I passed his Radio call sign on to “other” hams his age. He will be missed.
Helen and Joe Beausoleil says
Many fond memories of Beatons on California street and at Saint Mary’s. Sending our sympathy and prayers to Rayleen, Katie and Charlie.
Scott and Christel Dinges says
We are very sorry to hear about his passing. Dick will be missed. RIP “N7RB”. Our sympathy and prayers to his family.