In memory of
David Bruce Beaton
November 1, 2025
In loving memory of David Bruce Beaton, who passed away peacefully at the age of 68 on November 1st, 2025, at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto with his son holding his hand.
Bruce was a fiercely proud 48th Highlander who joined the regiment in 1978 as a young infantry officer. He was inspired by his father William, who was a Sergeant in the 48th Highlanders during WWII, and wanted to carry on his legacy. Bruce had a wonderful career and adventures while with the 48th, but due to his ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis, he retired as Captain in 2007 where he then picked up serving as a civil servant with the Department of National Defence until 2011.
Those that knew Bruce will remember his kindness, his playful sense of humour and how he loved to laugh. Bruce was also known for his ardent love of military history and his family enjoyed testing the bounds of his knowledge. He was an honourable man and loyal to his Family, Friends and Country (and the Leafs). All that knew him remember his quiet courage in battling MS for 40 years with dignity and resilience. His remarkable spirit never wavered. His influence will remain in the lives of his family as they celebrate and honour his memory.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents William Beaton (1974) and Barbara (née Kelly) (2006) and oldest brother Robert (2025).
Bruce will be deeply missed by his wife Wendy (née Roach) of 43 1/2 years; children Amy (Luke), Andrew (Jessica), Katie (Jacob) and Kirstie; cherished granddaughter Emily; siblings Bill (Karen), Gordon (Catherine), John and Nancy; in-laws Anne-Marie, Deborah, Arthur and Joe (Susan); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life to honour Bruce will take place on December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the 48th Highlanders Officers Mess at Moss Park Armoury. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MS Society of Canada or to Operation Raise A Flag for this Remembrance Day (donate@sunnybrook.ca), in honour of the Veterans who call Sunnybrook home. Bruce’s family will forever be grateful to the staff for the respect and care shown to him during his time at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Lacernas Inicite, Deponite Lacernas. Rest easy, dear Bruce.
Bruce was a fiercely proud 48th Highlander who joined the regiment in 1978 as a young infantry officer. He was inspired by his father William, who was a Sergeant in the 48th Highlanders during WWII, and wanted to carry on his legacy. Bruce had a wonderful career and adventures while with the 48th, but due to his ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis, he retired as Captain in 2007 where he then picked up serving as a civil servant with the Department of National Defence until 2011.
Those that knew Bruce will remember his kindness, his playful sense of humour and how he loved to laugh. Bruce was also known for his ardent love of military history and his family enjoyed testing the bounds of his knowledge. He was an honourable man and loyal to his Family, Friends and Country (and the Leafs). All that knew him remember his quiet courage in battling MS for 40 years with dignity and resilience. His remarkable spirit never wavered. His influence will remain in the lives of his family as they celebrate and honour his memory.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents William Beaton (1974) and Barbara (née Kelly) (2006) and oldest brother Robert (2025).
Bruce will be deeply missed by his wife Wendy (née Roach) of 43 1/2 years; children Amy (Luke), Andrew (Jessica), Katie (Jacob) and Kirstie; cherished granddaughter Emily; siblings Bill (Karen), Gordon (Catherine), John and Nancy; in-laws Anne-Marie, Deborah, Arthur and Joe (Susan); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life to honour Bruce will take place on December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the 48th Highlanders Officers Mess at Moss Park Armoury. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MS Society of Canada or to Operation Raise A Flag for this Remembrance Day (donate@sunnybrook.ca), in honour of the Veterans who call Sunnybrook home. Bruce’s family will forever be grateful to the staff for the respect and care shown to him during his time at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Lacernas Inicite, Deponite Lacernas. Rest easy, dear Bruce.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Celebration of Life
48th Highlanders Officers Mess- Moss Park Armoury
130 Queen Street E, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M5A 1R9
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Sunday, 7 Dec 2025 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM