Ron Beattie

Ron was born on May 4, 1911 in Forget, Saskatchewan. The family moved to BC in 1920 and eventually settled in Nelson, where he became active in many sports, including tennis, field lacrosse and Canadian rules football. He married Geraldine Denison in 1935 and they moved to Trail a year later when Ron took an accounting position at the CM&S. It was in Trail that he became actively involved in figure skating and the Trail Figure Skating Club.

Ron was an active member of the Club for 40 years, serving as Secretary Treasurer for 32 years, and as President for one year. Over the years, he helped build the Club to a membership high of 420 skaters.

In addition to his administrative duties, Ron was active as a skating competitor and instructor. He partnered with Anne Gavrilik and won the Western Canadian Senior Dance Championships in 1949 and the duo competed in the Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Ron and Anne went on to win Silver medals in dance skating competitions in both Canada and the US.

Ron's knowledge of the sport led him to being selected as a judge and referee by the Canadian Figure Skating Association, working as western Canadian and national competitions.

Ron and his wife were devoted to the sport of figure skating and the Trail Figure Skating Club. Ron made a significant contribution to the advancement of figure skating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The City of Trail has recently nominated Ron for induction into the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame.