Jack Beaton Jr.

1962 - 2017

Jack Reginald Beaton, Jr.
December 10, 1962 - October 1, 2017

Jack was born on December 10, 1962, the first child of Jack Sr. and Barbara Beaton of Lynnwood, California. As a teen, Jack moved with his family to Wofford Heights where he graduated from Kern Valley High School. He was active in sports; KVHS Football Special Teams Captain.

After high school, Jack moved to Bakersfield to pursue greater employment opportunities. He met Laurie Cook, a West High school student, and they began to date. After a couple years, they became exclusive. They married on October 1st, 1994, shortly after Laurie's graduation from UC Irvine. They began married life living in Irvine, California, and working in Orange County, only returning to Bakersfield when Jake, their first born arrived in 1997.

In Bakersfield Jack rejoined his previous employer, Diamond Ridge Roofing, working there until his passing. He loved working outdoors and the sense of accomplishment he received by doing quality work.

Jack's passion was his family. He adored Laurie, and their son Jake and daughter Delaney. He was totally involved in everything they did. His support of their schooling, friendships, and activities were a top priority to Jack. He taught them to respect others and honor friendships. Jack's devotion to Laurie was obvious; the mutual respect they showed each other was a great example to all who knew them.

Jack was the type who nurtured friendships with men and women everywhere he went. His fun to be around, always happy attitude earned many lasting friendships. Being relaxed and nonjudgmental, treating everyone with kindness and respect was the key to Jack's personality.

Jack was fatally wounded on October 1st , 2017, the day of his 23rd wedding anniversary to Laurie, in the tragic shooting attack on innocent spectators at the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert in Las Vegas. He died as he lay covering his wife to protect her from the tremendous amount of automatic rifle fire from an assailant positioned high above the crowded venue. To us, Jack died a true hero, doing what he always did; putting the needs of others first without the regard for himself.

Jack is preceded in death by his father, Jack Beaton Sr. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, children, Jake and Delaney Beaton, mother Barbara Beaton, and brother, Tom Beaton, mother and father-in- law, Lauraine and Jerry Cook.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Road, Bakersfield 93312, on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10 o'clock in the morning, officiated by Msgr. Perry Kavookjian.

The family is so heartened and grateful for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, and thoughtful deeds of literally thousands of people wanting to express their sympathy and provide tributes of Jack to his family. We live in a truly caring and loving community of which we should all be proud.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to your favorite charity or organization.

DOUGHTY-CALHOUN- O'MEARA FUNERAL DIRECTORS