Richard Beach

At BGMC we heard he was coming, his reputation preceeding him.  He was a gentle giant.  Words that describe him are smart, funny, compasionate.  He made it easy to talk and ask questions; always having time for you.  I met him when I was going through some tough personal times, he was always there to listen and make you feel better, never judging.  He will be greatly missed. 

I think I am still in disbelief that this wonderful man is gone from us.  I can usually write a poem but now what brings me comfort is the thought of his first days in Albuq.PHS NICU.  He came in tall and blonde as blonde can get. Neva, Isabelle, and I were working on the 3rd Floor ECN.  He examined my babes in the POD and then he began taking the charts with my profiles on them.  I turned to Isabelle and told her in Spanish that the little new doctor took my profiles.  To my surprise her turned to me and answered me in Spanish, "Do you want them back?"  We all laughed and he an I had many Spanish conversations after that.

He supported me through some of my hardest times with chronic primary infants and always supported what I did as a nurse.  He was a good friend and I know he will keep the angels smiling.  Love YOU! and will miss you Richard.

When I worked with Richard at BGMC. I always remember his smile and his advise to the staff on personal matters. And yes, that great Christmas party at his house and he wanted the pool ready but it was not to be and to top it off it rained. But a good time by all. He made friends wherever he was and you felt like you knew him all your life. He was a pleasure to work with and a joy to know. Hopefully you are at peace now and sharing your humor with god creatures above. You will always have a place in my heart.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated Miami. For weeks afterward, doctors and nurses volunteered their time running a free clinic in a devastated area. On the day Sherry and I volunteered as nurses, the doctor volunteering his time was Richard Beach. As we worked together throughout the day, Richard remained calm, competent, and amused everyone with his wit and humor. He made the experience rewarding, and we will never forget him. 

                                                       Kathy Magda and Sherry Wright

I worked with Richard at BGMC several years ago. I was amazed by the extent of his knowledge. After he explained a complex physiological rationale for a particular disease process, I was in awe of him and told him so. He looked at me and stated, "I don't want to be remembered for my intelligence, I want to be remembered for being funny!" I will always remember his easy going nature and he always made me laugh, even on particularly stressful days in the NICU. I'm sure he is entertaining all the angels in heaven with his delightful sense of humor. I will never forget him. Rest in peace Richard!