Richard Bourne BYRD

Dr Byrd was my hero. I served under him while he was the Chief of the pulmonary/critical care fellowship at Scott Air Force Base. I learned so much from him. He was absolutely a brilliant and a great role model. We all wanted to be just like him! I think of him often and his wonderful example for me in my own life.

I only met Richard on the trip to Cuba, and was walking next to him when he fell. Previous to that, he was having a wonderful time and was a delightful fellow tour companion. I always remember what his brother, who was also on the trip, said. "My brother loved to travel and that is the way he would have liked to have spent his final days". Both Richard and his brother John were/are exceptional individuals, the kind who find the enjoyment in every experience, no matter what the day brings....

He was a fantastic doctor and treated all his patients with loving care.

I had the privelege to work with Dr. Byrd on the TB unit at Scott air force base. He inspired me to become a Cardiopulomary technician in the Air Force. He was always willing to teach,

We were on that last great adventure of Dr. Byrd's to Cuba. He and Laurie were the first people we met on the flight from Miami to Havana and we had some delightful time touring and lunching together. Dick was classy, interesting and easy to be with. We think of him daily, yet we knew him for only a limited number of days; we can only imagine how much he is missed by those who loved him so well and for so long. Our prayers go out to Laurie and John.

I am saddened with the loss of Dr. Byrd, who probably saved me from suffering more from a lung disease, not curable but controllable. I will miss his wit, candor, and true professionalism. I do hope he will be replaced here on Earth by an MD equally as qualified.
God's Mercies, Ed Wollweber

May God's abiding love keep you now and forever.
Dr. Byrd will truely be missed.

Dick was a good friend and our hearts go out to Laurie, Heather, Dean, Bob and his brother John. He was modest about all his many accomplishments and always wanting to learn new things through travel and appreciated the arts like opera. He took wonderful photos when travelling and shared them with others. What an example of a life well lived!