Honor John Beatty: A Life of Love, Stars and Sound

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It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of John Beatty, beloved husband to Paula Samonté. John’s unexpected departure leaves a deep void, and as we navigate this sorrowful time, we reach out to our community for support.

John's life was marked by a quiet strength, an immense love for the earth, and a deep devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and service to the arts, but it is his love for Paula—his partner of 48 years—that was the cornerstone of his world.

In this time of grief, Paula, who has stood by John’s side through so much, now faces the difficult journey of moving forward without him. We kindly ask for your support to help her carry on through this challenging time. Your generosity will provide comfort and assistance as she navigates the days ahead, and it will honor John’s memory in a meaningful way.

Every contribution makes a difference and is truly appreciated. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your love, kindness, and support. Your compassion means more than words can express.

May the long time Sol shine upon You

All Love surround you

As it guides your way Home

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

John passed away on Friday morning at his beloved home on Greenfield Ranch near Ukiah, where he lived for more than 40 years.

John was a man of many gifts, all rooted in his reverence for the earth, his passion for the arts, and his devotion to his family. Off the grid, he built his own home—a testament to his hands-on spirit and his desire to live in harmony with nature. He had a deep connection to the land, always mindful of its fragility. He carried a bright, infectious sense of humor and a laugh that could light up a room.

As a sound engineer, John dedicated decades of his life to the arts community, lending his talents to countless productions of theater, music, and dance. His technical expertise and artistic sensibility were indispensable to the creative voices around him.

John’s favorite vocalist to mix sound for was none other than his wife, Paula. Their bond was reflected in every performance. John loved supporting Paula through the art of sound, carefully mixing each note with the precision and sensitivity of someone who knew her voice inside and out. He was attuned to every nuance, every balance, every shift in volume. His soundwaves didn’t just fill the room; they enveloped the audience, creating a perfect harmony that only someone with such deep love and understanding could produce.

As a couple, they were a perfect match, not just in life but in artistry. John was always at Paula’s side, making sure her voice reached its fullest potential, just as he did with everything he touched. Their partnership, both personal and professional, was a true reflection of the love they shared.

John was a man whose greatest loves were his family. He and his wife Paula Samonté shared 48 years of partnership—years filled with love, respect, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a life full of laughter, learning, and mutual support. His love for Paula was a foundation on which so much else was built.

John’s love for his children and grandchildren was immeasurable. John was a teacher in ways both big and small, always leading by example with patience, kindness, an open heart and many “dad” jokes. His legacy lives on in the love and wisdom he passed down to the next generation.

John is survived by his wife Paula Samonté; his daughter Cyrise Beatty Schachter, son-in-law Stefan Schachter and grandson Jonah Schachter; stepdaughter Samantha Younghans-Haug, son-in-law Chris Younghans-Haug, and grandkids Nate Haug and Lydia Haug; stepson Torre Younghans and daughter-in-law Holly Younghans; brothers Jim, William and Thomas Beatty, and sister Joan Ariel; and nephews Jaime, Maxwell and Nathan.

As we say goodbye to John, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all the ways he touched our lives. We can’t believe he is no longer with us, but we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in all of us—in the laughter he shared, the beauty he fostered, and the love he gave so freely. We pray that his soul is now flying high, at peace with the cosmos he so dearly loved.