Here is a photo of Al Beaton (left) taken ca. 1942, most likely at the Gordon Head Army Camp in Victoria, where he trained for service in the Second World War. During the war Beaton served as a lithographer for the 1 Cdn. Field Survey Coy., RCE. Beaton also played basketball for the Vancouver Westerns, 1938 Canadian champions.
After the war he was hired to develop, and later manage, Grouse Mountain Resorts. There he was instrumental in building The Village Chair and the first aerial tramway to the top of the mountain.
He married Canadian champion skier Gertie Wepsala in 1942, and died in 2006 in West Vancouver.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
