Robert 'Bob' A. Beattie


Robert (Bob) Alfred Beattie, aka Pally 2/23/36 – 6/4/23On Sunday morning, June 4th, we lost a friend, teammate, coach, mentor, father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and brother. Bob Beattie, went to heaven to reunite with his son Bobby, who passed on May 5th of 2009.
While Dad was not defined by sports, it was his connection to most people. Below is a list of his many athletic highlights, primarily baseball and football. 1954 All State in baseball and football at Lockwood H.S. in Warwick, RI. 1957- 1963 Orioles and Indians organizations and led Sooner State league in HR's his first season with the Os. 1958- 1959 Northern State Wolves Football and All SDIC both years and led conference in scoring in 1958 1963 Ottawa Rough Riders D-Back and punter in Canadian Football League (season ending knee surgery). 1964 – 1968 Northern league Aberdeen Pheasants coach, Huron Cubs GM and Umpire. 1969 – 1972 Manager Huron Legion, Head Coach Huron Football and Manager Pierre Cowboys in Basin League. 1972 – 1980 Placement Director & Football Coach at Northern State College. 1974 – 1982 Manager Aberdeen Smitty's (Missed 76, 79, 80 – Brad and Burt's first seasons). 1976 South Dakota Superstars competition winner in the 29 – 40 age bracket (Dad was 40). 1977 State Amateur baseball champion with Aberdeen (Brad was his teammate). 1980 – 1982 Head Football Coach at Aberdeen Central. 1985 State Amateur baseball champion with Aberdeen (Burt was his teammate and both were named Co-MVPS). 1985 South Dakota Independent Athlete of the Year. 1987 Northern State College Hall of Fame1990 – 2013 Player/Manager with Men's Senior Baseball League in Arizona, Florida and Las Vegas2001 Men's Senior Baseball Hall of Fame. 2001 -2007 Baseball Scout with San Diego Padres (Chief was his boss). 2002 South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame (Also in SD Umpires Hall of Fame). 2003 South Dakota Officials Hall of Fame. Multiple years as the South Dakota State Amateur Baseball Commissioner.
Bob served in the Marine Corps and earned his master's at Northern State College. He was a teacher and coach at Hatton, ND, Huron, SD, Aberdeen Central and Northern State. In 1983, Bob went to work for the Department of Labor as the Manager of Job Service and retired with the Department of Labor in 1994.
Behind the athletic accomplishments, Dad lived life to its fullest. He was humble, a fierce competitor, passionate friend, entertaining and a great role model for his kids, friends and family. In his final hours as Mom, Burt and I were holding his hand, he waited for Mom. She was able to tell him to let go; she would be fine and go see Bobby. In his last breath he was telling her "I love you". Bob and Ginny were married in 1958, just short of 65 years together. Please remember all the great memories you have had with him, because of him and/or heard about him.