Norman "Skip" Beaton

Norman "Skip" Beaton, 65, of Fayetteville, died unexpectedly on Nov. 25, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Karen McDonald Beaton, his daughter, Kelly Kathleen Beaton, and his brother, Richard Beaton. Skip was born Feb. 15, 1950 in El Dorado, Ark. to Bill and Normadine Beaton. After attending the University of Arkansas, he opened Woodwork Company, a business he operated for over 35 years. A master of his craft, Skip produced fine furniture and cabinetry for businesses, homes and offices throughout Northwest Arkansas. A person who loved outdoor activities, particularly fishing, he became interested in kayaks and the craftsmen in Native American societies of the Pacific Northwest who built them. In his spare moments Skip constructed a number of his own kayaks, beautiful works of art, and also read deeply in the literature on the cultures that produced the boats he so admired. Amidst all this, Skip's engaging personality and wonderful sense of humor resulted in his shop becoming a gathering place for his many friends. Skip was taken too soon. He is greatly missed. Memorial service date and time will be announced.