A Tribute to my Friend, Alex Beaton

I first saw Alex at the old Nashville Games at Grassmere in the late 80s. However, I didn't really get to know him until I went on his second (late August) tour in 2003. So many of you that watch this have known Alex for many more years than I. However, over the years our friendship grew until I numbered Alex among a very short list of best of friends.

I accompanied him on four of his Scotland tours and his only tour of Ireland. I had told him a number of times that, when he planned his final tour, I wanted to be included. But, of course, when I signed up for the Highlands and Islands Tour neither of us knew that it was fated to be his last.

I took thousands of photos on his tours and at his performances but only a small percentage were of Alex. I must admit that all my favorites included him and Linda. (Well, a few included my daughter.) Many of these were candid (which I preferred) so if you think that Alex has a funny look on his face or is looking elsewhere, it is because i caught him unawares.

Compiling this video was a labor of love; one that was not always easy. But each was included with love and each and every picture I included is as familiar as if I took it this morning. I tried to place them all in chronological order. But I'm sure I fumbled more than a few.

There is much that I could say here about Alex, but it has been said elsewhere and with much more elegance. Let me just say that we are destined to truly love only a few people in our lifetime. I count Alex among my few.

So farewell my friend, until we meet again.

(I must take a minute to correct a portion of the video. Linda's son, John Pat Polston, is, of course, Alex's stepson and his last name is the same as his father's. I apologize to him for the mistake. Also, John Pat was present on that fateful night in 2011 when Alex suffered his fall. He assisted in Alex's resuscitation while waiting for the paramedics to arrive and was greatly responsible for Alex's final 11 years. Unfortunately, the video cannot be altered once it is uploaded.)

Introduction - Caledonia - 00:00
The 2003 2nd Scotland Tour (The Beatonite Rising of '03) - 00:20
The 2005 2nd Scotland Tour (The Beatonite Incursion of '05) - 01:13
Maggie - 3:58
Second Scotland Tour 2008 (The Beatonite Venture of '08) - 04:57
Ireland Tour 2009 (The Beatonite Invasion of '09) - 05:53
Nearer My God To Thee - 7:12
Scotland Tour 2011 (The Highlands & Islands Tour) - 9:37
Piper to the End - 10:29
These Are My Mountains - 15:09
June 17, 2011 - 15:47