Bradford A. Urquhart, M.D.

Bradford Alexander Urquhart, M.D., passed away on August 19, 2026, after a brief illness in Houston surrounded by his wife and best friend, Frances Urquhart, and his three children. He was a beloved family man who led by example. He was a rock, a mentor to many, demonstrating amazing patience, a generous spirit, and ability to put people at ease with a quick smile or conversation.

Brad was born in Seattle, Washington on February 17, 1941, and spent the first part of his childhood in Massachusetts where his parents, Russell and Phyllis, grew up. Brad was the eldest of four siblings, and when he was 10 years old, the family packed up the station wagon and left behind their New England roots to live in Dallas, Texas, where his dad took a job as director of the YMCA. Their intention was to return to the East coast, but the kids quickly became rooted in Texas. The family thrived in Dallas and their new church community where Brad first met his future wife and partner when he was just 12 years old. Brad was president of his high school class and All-State fullback on the Highland Park football team, 1957 state champions his junior year. High school is when he kindled his work ethic, delivering papers before school and teaching swim lessons at the YMCA. He earned a scholarship to study and play football at Princeton University where he graduated in 1963 with a B.S. in Biology.

Brad returned to Dallas in 1963 to marry his high school sweetheart, Frances Terry. They created a loving family and life together based on love, stewardship, and mutual respect. Brad taught high school for a year before attending Southwestern Medical School while Fran supported the family working at GE in computer science. After medical school, Brad served in the Navy as a medical officer where he spent one year on ship and one year in Long Beach, California. In 1971, the family (with the new additions of 3-year old Alec and 1-year old Julie) moved to Houston where Brad started training in Orthopedic medicine. Becky was born soon after, and the family of five moved to a tight-knit neighborhood near the medical center where Brad joined Orthopedics Associates and started practicing at St. Joseph’s and Hermann hospitals.

Being a doctor was a fitting profession for Brad because of his deep commitment to service and helping people through his actions. Even as his memory failed him later in life, he never lost his kind and welcoming nature, and his ability to joke around and connect with people. The Houston brand of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses awarded him the “Distinguished Surgeon Award” for his strong leadership and humble manner. A leader in his profession, he served as a board examiner and member of the Board of Councilors for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and president of the Texas Orthopedics Association. Representing his dedication to service and passion for pediatric orthopedics, he volunteered throughout his career with the Shriner’s Hospital, operating on pediatric patients from around the world.

Family was central to Brad, and he always made time to be involved in family life; whether it was coaching, attending sports events, organizing family trips (always to the mountains- he didn’t like sitting around on a beach) or going on long bike rides along the Houston bayous. He had the patience needed to take his teenage daughter shopping for a prom dress, driving lessons, and weeks-long college tours. He was the “game organizer” at birthday parties, and taught his kids how to swim, bike, ski. His generous spirit extended beyond his biological family to the community. He served on the board of the YMCA for years, and was an original board member for Camp Cullen, a local YMCA camp. He was active in the St. John’s Presbyterian Church, serving as elder for several sessions. His faith and service were core to his being. He volunteered with Faith in Practice for 10 years, traveling to Guatemala to perform orthopedic surgery. During retirement he also was active in creating safe water systems in Cuba, Haiti, and the Yucatan through “Living Waters for the World.” His happy place was biking or skiing in the Colorado mountains where he found joy in nature, the outdoors, and time with family.

Brad was preceded in death by his brother Mal. He is survived by his wife, Frances; children, Alec (Jean), Julie (Todd), Becky (Dave); grandchildren, Anwyn, Emmie, Sadie, Sam, Story; brother Doug (Polly), sister Susie (Henry); his extended family Bertha and Jaime; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We love him so much and think of all the times he told us how proud he was of us, and how his life actions taught that there is always room for one more at the table, that life is better as a team, and being with someone is sometimes the best gift you can give.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faithinpractice.org; or the Shriner’s hospital: Shrinerschildrens.org; or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 W. Bellfort Ave., Houston, TX 77035, at 11 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026.