For Further Information:
Karen DeBaker (920) 203-0595
Green Bay, WI – For some people, philanthropy is a learned, conscious effort. For others, it’s a way of life. For Norma and Angus Beaton, it was a way of life that continued after death through their Trust Under Will. On November 15, Clyde Truttmann finished carrying out their wishes by presenting the final check to four local charities. This one was to the Bay Area Humane Society in the sum of $342,627.
Born in 1905, Angus Beaton’s first job was trapping and shooting rats in Rockland, Mich., for five cents each. Perhaps that’s what spurred his love for hunting and his pets. After The Depression, he married and moved to Green Bay to become a meter reader for Public Service. He joined the Army during World War II and transfer to the Navy as an electrical engineer. Upon returning to the Green Bay area, he was promoted to District Manager at Wisconsin Public Service covering much of the state.
Clyde Truttmann and his brother lived down the street from the Beaton’s and over the years became the sons they never had. Angus brought the boys hunting, and they stayed with Norma when Angus was out of town.
When Angus died on Oct. 1, 1990, he wanted to ensure Norma, who was in a nursing home, would be looked after. He wrote a clause into the will to pay for her care for the next 25 years. She died just nine weeks later. Since then, the Trust has been in a state of holding waiting for the clause to expire. In September, 2012, Clyde was final able to fulfill his duties as executor. He presented the Beaton’s story to four local charities: the YMCA, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army and, finally, the Bay Area Humane Society on Nov. 15.
For each check presentation, Clyde wanted to ensure it wasn’t just a nameless, faceless check. He took the time to meet with the Board of Directors of each organization. Tell them about Norma and Angus’ life. Show pictures. Make it personal. Ensure their memory lived on, even if they didn’t have children of their own.
The mission of the Bay Area Humane Society is to offer the best possible care and future for companion animals in our community through leadership, placement, and outreach. The Humane Society is not affiliated with any state or national agency and does not receive any government funding. The Bay Area Humane Society is located at 1830 Radisson St, Green Bay, and also has a pet adoption center in PetSmart at 825 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay.
