—ICON of the British Brigade and the Hobby.
Read the Obituary of Don Beale via legacy.com
I knew of the legendary figure who was Don Beale. I remember many times seeing him riding out on horseback, often times with our own former commander Ken Siegel. I got to know him briefly and in person at St. Kitts where he and Ken organized a reenactment of the historic defense of the island from the French. I and a few others from the British Brigade were fortunate to be able to take advantage of that unique opportunity to participate—it is a major highlight of my 30 years in the 23rd RoF, RWFiA.
The following is an extract from the British Brigade Officer’s Mess by Michael Grenier and James McGaughey
Don Beale was born May 12, 1947, and passed July 16, 2025, at 78 after a lengthy illness. Don studied history (of course!) at SUNY New Paltz, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1970. Thereafter, he started his career as a history teacher (of course!). He retired from Highland (NY) Central Schools in 2002 after 32 years of teaching. Teaching was a passion for him, not just a job. He particularly loved teaching American history and taught his classes on the American Revolution dressed up in full uniform demonstrating his musket and other items—many of which were original artifacts from his collection. Don would frequently bring students to events, fully kitted and ready to reenact. Many students even made their own 18th century clothing, with Don’s and Hella’s guidance, so they could fit in. Some of his students even became members in Don’s unit.
Don grew up in White Plains, NY and began reenacting the American Revolution there in 1959. During the Bicentennial, he was a member of the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment. His natural leadership carried him to an officer’s position. In 1987, he founded the 16th Light Dragoons and led it for decades. When Ken Siegel, founder of the British Brigade in 1982, turned over command in 1990, Don was unanimously chosen by his peers to be the next Brigadier. He served as Brigadier for 16 years, continuously reelected in unopposed elections. Under his leadership, the Brigade grew both in numbers of units and in total membership. Don drafted the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws and chartered the British Brigade under the State of New York’s Board of Regents.
During his tenure as commander, he developed excellent events in partnership with local sponsors for our members. Highlights include Quebec (twice), Boone’s Homestead, Leesburg, Gunston Hall, Andover MA, The Burning of Kingston NY, Saratoga 225th, Brandywine 225th, Charleston 225th, Yorktown 225th, and others too numerous to list. He often facilitated television and film productions at our events, such as the History Channel and Tower of London productions. Don attracted and developed talented, dedicated staff, making our events even better. Particularly noteworthy non-Brigade events were the two at St. Kitts which he co-hosted with Ken Siegel. These helped establish a locally staffed interpretive program at the Brimstone Hill Fortress UNESCO World Heritage site and resulted in training the volunteer interpreters and military staff assigned there. Many of our members who attended these events consider them to be the highlight of their reenacting careers.
In all things, Don was a genial and generous gentleman. We were blessed to have him as our friend and mentor for so many years. Rest in Peace, our beloved friend and Brigadier.