Keith Hawkins Beale

Captain Keith Hawkins Beale
PORTLAND -- Captain Keith Hawkins Beale died in Portland, August 9, 2014. Keith was born August 29, 1921 in Machiasport, Maine. He was the son of Melcher F. and Eva B. (Hawkins) Beale. He was the grandson of Frank O. and Mary S. (Johnson) Beale and William I. and Elizabeth A. (Marr) Hawkins. His father was Chief Boatswain Mate of the U.S. Coast Guard Life Saving Station located at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Keith was educated in Cape Elizabeth and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School. Keith was an all-round athlete and sportsman. In his senior year, he served as captain of Cape Elizabeth High School's men's varsity basketball team. He enjoyed tennis, skiing and water-fowling.
Keith married Ruth E. Hanson of Portland on June 7, 1942. Shortly after their marriage, Keith entered Fort Trumbull, home for the U. S. Maritime Service's Officer Candidate Training School which was located on the banks of the Thames River at New London, Conn. Keith studied under his uncle, Lieutenant Commander Almer W. Beale, U.S.M.S., who was the station's executive officer and former 'exec' on the training ship American Mariner. His uncle previously taught deck subjects at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Long Island.
During World War II, Keith sailed on merchant marine convoys to Northern Europe navigating through active military combat. After WWII, his work included hauling coal on colliers along the Eastern Seaboard. He was a merchant mariner classically trained to navigate the seas with the compass, sextant, stars and tide. He also was of the generation that navigated and applied the advances in maritime technology to ensure safety, protocol and compliance to strict shipping regulations. Keith worked his entire life on the water, from the European Arctic Circle to South America, with the majority of time spent here in the New England Maritimes.
Keith obtained his license and qualification as Captain in 1952. His professional wheelhouse career was with Boston Fuel Transportation, Boston, Mass. where he retired as senior officer. He was a life-long member of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union.
Keith's wife of 72 years, Ruth E. (Hanson) Beale died August 1, 2014. Keith is pre-deceased by his daughter Diane E. Davis, his son David F. Beale; his infant great- granddaughter Samantha Davis; and his sisters Blanche E. Herbert, Marion A. (Leonard) Dodge,
Verna A. (Fred) Hall and Helen E. (Irving) Andrews. He was also pre-deceased by his wife's brothers, Frederic R. (Evelyn) Hanson, Richard W. (Marjorie) Hanson and Philip N. (Elizabeth) Hanson.
He is survived by his sons and spouses, Captain Keith M. (Joy) Beale, Ross F. (Ellen) Beale, Daniel H. (Paul Mavris) Beale and James W. (Mary) Beale. Keith and Ruth were devoted to their ten grandchildren, providing their love and support. They were blessed with a large and loving family including eight great- grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Keith is also survived by his nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on August 30th at Noon at the Wilde Memorial Chapel located on the grounds of Evergreen Cemetery, Stevens Avenue, Portland. Burial for Keith and Ruth will immediately follow in the Hanson Family lot at Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.
On behalf of the Beale Family, we would like to thank the staff at The Barron Center for their amazing compassion and care, especially our dear friends of '3-South' and Dr. William Ervin and his InterMed staff.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home 660 Brighton Ave. Portland, Maine. To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.athutchins.com
'A few who have watched me sail away Will miss my craft from
the busy Bay:
Some friendly barks that were anchored near.
Some loving soul that my
heart held dear.
In silent sorrow will drop a tear.
But I shall have peacefully
furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from
storm and gale
And greeted the friends who
sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the
Unseen Shore.'





In lieu of flowers and offerings
of condolences, contributions are most welcome at:
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
P.O. Box 336
Westbrook, ME 04092
The Donation Fund is set up in our both our Father's and Mother's name, Keith H. and Ruth E. Beale