Dr. A. David Beck

He was born on September 12, 1933, in Hawera, New Zealand, the son of Arthur and Blanche Beck.

David graduated from Hamilton Boys High School, where he was a member of the rugby team and captain of athletics. In 1953, his medical education began at Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand. There, he met the love of his life, Marie Wilson, who was completing her degree in Home Science/Nutrition. They were married in Wanganui, New Zealand, in February of 1958, a few months before his graduation.

After completing a five-year residency in General Surgery, he was admitted to the Royal College of Surgeons, the equivalent of Board Certification in America. David started his Urologic training in England in 1964, where he spent twelve months at the Royal Infirmary, Leeds, followed by a year at the Institute of Urology in London. His interest in Urologic cancer brought him to America in 1966; he continued his training at the New York Hospital, and his formal education was completed at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 1968.

When David returned to New Zealand, he was awarded the Isaac Memorial Scholarship, during the tenure of which he pioneered a technique for operating on fetal lambs which allowed the fetus to be returned to the uterus and the pregnancy to continue. By this means, the cause of a number of congenital kidney problems found in humans was clarified. This research created a good deal of interest in the United States and in 1970, David accepted a position as Associate Professor at Indiana University Medical Center.

In 1973, he was appointed the first Professor and Chairman of the Division of Urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. David’s top priority was to formulate a plan to develop a post graduate training program in Urology. This was approved by the American Urology Association in 1975, and the program continues largely unchanged to the present day. In 1979, David founded the Illinois State Urologic Society. He was its first president and served on the Executive Committee for many years. In 1981, David left the Medical School and joined his friend and colleague, Patrick McVary, in private practice at PBM Urology, where he remained until his retirement in 2004.

Having travelled halfway around the globe in their early years, Marie and David retained their love for exploring and crisscrossed the oceans and continents many times, culminating in their receiving of an award for sailing on the same cruise line for more than 500 days.

David is survived by Marie, his wife of 68 years; children, Martin (Debra) of Winnetka, IL, Elizabeth (Matthew) Reyhan of Springfield, and Stephen of Elmhurst, IL; and three grandchildren, Wilson and Elena Reyhan of New York, NY, and Samuel Beck of Elmhurst, IL.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.

Requiem Eucharist: 11:00 am on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., Springfield, IL, with Very Rev. Andrew Hook, celebrant.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62704.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.