Brian Jay Beckord, MD passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness, on December 11, 2022; he was 37. Brian was the last of four children to Bruce and Mary Lou Beckord, of Boulder. Brian grew up in Boulder and spent much time exploring the Rocky Mountains, hunting, fishing, boating, mountaineering, skiing, and dirt biking. He attended Heatherwood Elementary School, Sacred Heart Elementary, and Boulder High School. Brian graduated from Boulder High School in 2004, the University of San Diego in 2008, and St. George's Medical School in 2015, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was 1st in his class of 500.

He was matched with his first choice of Residency at UCLA Harbor in Los Angeles. He was chosen as Intern of the Year, Junior Resident of the Year, and Administration Chief in 2019. He completed his Surgical Residency in 2020, at the height of Covid 19. Brian's goal as a highly sought-after General Surgeon was originally to serve in rural communities, where there was a shortage of surgeons. His hope was to create an opportunity for residents and medical students to spend time in rural hospitals to experience practicing in these communities. He hoped to increase interest and awareness of the surgical shortage in rural America, and improve academics in these facilities. His first position as a General Surgeon was at Fairchild Medical Center, in Yreka, CA. where he performed more than 700 surgeries in one year. He led the implementation of the first Da Vinci Robot (X1) in Siskiyou County, initiated the application of radiofrequency ablation, and performed the first ED thoracotomy at Fairchild Medical Center. He was the Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Trauma Director and Vice President of the Medical Executive Committee. Beyond his career, Brian was an incredible friend, partner, uncle, brother and son. He was a jokester and prankster, yet had an insatiable quest for knowledge. He brought energy, surprise and humor to every gathering. Brian was compassionate, kind, and truly cared about his family, his partner Katie, his dogs and chickens, and his patients and their families. He was passionate about teaching his fellow doctors and nurses, to they could all provide the best care.