Having spent about 6 weeks at UNC Hospital with a variety of serious complications following a heart attack, Russ Beecher, beloved husband of Jackie for 48 years, honored father of Jason, Marnie, Gabriel, and Ben, and grandfather of five darling children, passed away. We would like to think that he had completed his final assignments on earth: He played a major role in his wife’s recovery from cancer and made sure that all his children were happily settled personally and professionally. We are devastated by the loss of the mainstay of our family.

We were blessed by the love of a truly honorable, compassionate, and humble man, who touched the lives of many people, including students, teachers, and families around the world. As a last selfless gesture, Russ left instructions for his body to be donated to the UNC Medical School to further the education of future physicians.

If you desire to pay tribute to a great man, please send donations in honor of Russell Beecher to

The Lineberger Comprehensive Care Center

Attn. Bone Marrow Transplant Program

External Affairs Office

CB# 7295

Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Checks should be made out to "UNC Bone Marrow Program.” In the memo line, please write "In Honor of Russ Beecher.”