Mourning the Passing of Mel Beaton

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner Mel Beaton following a battle with cancer.

Mel was a founding partner of the firm in 1999. His career in law spanned some 35 years and for more than 20 of those years he led our business law and real estate practice areas as a trusted expert in the field. Mel was a dedicated mentor and was deeply enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and providing guidance and advice to young lawyers. A renowned legal mind, he also frequently contributed to professional publications and legal education programs. He acted as lead counsel in some of the province’s largest valued real estate transactions and was an accomplished negotiator, handling business acquisitions and dispositions of all sizes along with corporate reorganisations, commercial transactions, and technology and licensing agreements.

Mel began his career in the technology sector, and was principal and co-owner of a technology company for nearly 10 years. He then built his practice within Altman Kahn Zack before joining Hammerberg & Company (now Hammerco) and helping to shape the forward looking vision that has led us to where we are today.

Mel had an incredibly vibrant and giving spirit. He was passionate about community service and gave much of his time and energy to Education without Borders, a charity that provides educational support and programs for underprivileged individuals. He was also a staunch football supporter and volunteered with the Vancouver Mainland Football League as well as the South Delta Rams Football Club, a community based organisation that runs programs for youth.

Our thoughts go out to Mel’s wife Anna, his children Jared and Kiana, and to the countless people whose lives he touched throughout his extraordinary career and life. A celebration of life will be held at Tsawwassen Springs on March 12^th, 2022, at 2pm. Per Mel’s wishes, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency. 

A foundational member of the Hammerco team, Mel was a wonderful and much loved colleague and friend. He had an energetic and adventurous spirit. He loved his family and loved what he did. We are going to miss him immensely.

Morgyn, Dale, Doug, Kevin, Krista and the Hammerco Team