Donald G Beattie

Donald G. Beattie passed away at home on the morning of Saturday, May 13th, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was never in pain and remained optimistic and cheerful throughout. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his zest for life and his sincere love for his family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Trepagnier; his father, Garfield Donald Beattie; and his step-mother Olivia Beattie. He leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and their only son, Brad, and many relatives and friends.

He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a pilot. When he was 12 years old, he would pick up odd jobs at the local airport to earn flying time. His career goals brought him to Louisiana State University, where he was graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He could fix absolutely anything with the greatest of ease.

After college, Don joined the Air Force and was part of the Jolly Green Giant Helicopter Search and Rescue team in Vietnam. He was a pilot for Eastern Airlines for 17 years and spent the remainder of his flying career with Challenge/Centurion Air Cargo.

He was an avid golfer and was constantly trying to perfect his swing. Most of all, he loved to cook. He was from New Orleans. As a good Cajun, he would often be found in the kitchen, making a pot of Gumbo or Crawfish Etouffee. Nothing was ever spicy enough. Many a time, to his wife’s dismay, he would stick a jalapeno pepper into something she was cooking.  He was also a true Renaissance Man. He was very well read and had perfect recall. He knew so much about current events and world history.  You could talk to him about anything.

He was incredibly generous with his time.  He was always doing random acts of kindness anonymously. When his mother-in-law was alive, he was constantly “popping in” on her to check to see if she needed anything.  She adored him and he treated her like she was his own mother.

Don made monthly trips to New Orleans for the last five years of his father’s life.  His father loved to play craps.  Don would take him out to Biloxi and to the many wonderful restaurants in the Big Easy.  His father died on May 20, 2015 at 100 years old.  Ironically, Don was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the day before his father’s memorial service.  He is being buried exactly two years to the day of his father’s death on May 20, 2017. 

Don left the world too soon, but he lived an incredibly full life. His flying took him all over the world.  He made friends wherever he went. Even in his retirement, he would often say that there were not enough hours in the day. He was full of life and love. He will be loved and deeply missed by many.

A visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Friday, May 19 at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton.  A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 20 at the Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at the Boca Raton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Envelopes and purple ribbons will be given out at the service.

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