PICTOU - Robert M. "Bobby" Beaton, 94, of Pictou, NS, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2007, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with family and Fr. Peter MacDonald at his side. Well known in the insurance industry and sports world, Bob distinguished himself in both. Playing hockey in Atlantic Canada in the early 1930's, he moved to England in 1938 to play for the Stratham Lions and Brighton Tigers winning the European Championship in Berlin. The following year he continued his hockey career playing for the Falkirk Lions of Scotland prior to returning home. During the 40's and 50's he played and coached teams in Pictou, Truro, Stellarton and New Glasgow winning seven A.P.C. titles, three Nova Scotia Championships and three Maritime titles. He boxed professionally prior to returning to refereeing in 1941. Until his retirement in 1983, he officiated at over 500 boxing bouts, including 41 Canadian, five British Commonwealth and one World Championship. Recognized for his knowledge, Bob was appointed to the position of Referee-in-Chief and Adviser to the Nova Scotia Boxing Authority from 1978 until 1994. Bobby had the distinction of being elected to the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame, the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Hall of Fame, the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame and the Cape Breton Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. Bob was a first class machinist and in his earlier years worked for Ferguson Industries of Pictou and the Allan Shaft, Stellarton. In 1951 he joined Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada as an underwriter and in 1958 transferred to Sydney as Branch Manager where he retired in 1985. He was a life member of the Life Underwriters of Central Nova. After retirement Bob returned to Pictou County where he resided in the Shiretown of Pictou. Devoted to the communities in which he resided, Bob served on the Town Council for Stellarton; past Chair of the Cape Breton United Appeal; past Chair of the Sydney Cancer Society; former Director of the Alexander Beaton Memorial Credit Union; past Director of the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital; former member of the Kiwanis Club of Sydney; former Chair of the Pictou Chamber of Commerce; honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1667 New Glasgow; member of the Pictou Rotary Club; honorary Chair of the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame and member of the finance committee for the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church. Bob was very devoted to his faith and made 17 consecutive pilgrimages to the St. Anne DeBeaupre Shrine in Quebec. Born in Port Hood and moving to Lourdes, Stellarton, at the age of three, he was a son of the late Alexander "Sandy" and Annie (MacDonald) Beaton. He is survived by a daughter, Anita (Sam) Burrell, Melmerby Beach; sons, Robert (Donna), Oshawa; Bernard, Halifax; sister, Marcella MacLellan, Arnprior; four grandchildren: Janice (David) Chambers, Falmouth; Lisa Beaton (Terry Sooley) Toronto; Robbie Beaton, Guelph; Darren (Michelle) Beaton, Toronto; as well was four great-grandchildren: Evan, Alexander, Samantha and Jonathan Chambers, all of Falmouth. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Bertha (MacDonald); sons, John and Graham; brothers: Roderick, David, Raymond, Joseph, Very Reverend Fr. Alexander and Clement. Visitation will take place from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. His remains will than be transferred to the MacLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, with visitation from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday. A mass of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Bobby will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church Pictou with Fr. Peter MacDonald and Fr. Bobby Day officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Stellarton. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, Pictou County Sport Heritage Hall of Fame or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to: rh@rhporterfuneralhomesltd.ca