Dr. David Beal

Jun 28, 1935 -

Nov 15, 2023

Alaska medical and educational visionary, Dr. David Beal died on Nov. 15, 2023, at his Anchorage, Alaska, home.

He was born on June 28, 1935, in Anaconda, Mont., to Dr. Wilbur Beal and Mrs. Mona Beal, and spent his formative years on a dude ranch. David later attended the University of Washington and the University of Chicago Medical School. He graduated from the Pritzker School of Medicine in 1961. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War era.

In 1968, Dr. Beal brought his sense of adventure to our state becoming the Chief of Otolaryngology for the USPHS Regional Indian Center. In this role, Dr. Beal traveled extensively to villages throughout the state providing medical services and coordinating ear, nose and throat care for Alaskans.

In 1970, Dr. Beal opened his own otolaryngology private practice in Anchorage. In addition to this work, he helped organize an ENT residency program that trained hundreds of physicians from throughout the United States. He retired from his medical practice in 2022, having spent over 50 years treating thousands of Alaskans for chronic hearing loss and balance issues.

Outside his busy medical practice, Dr. Beal held many roles in the community. He served as the President of the Alaska Medical Association, Affiliate Professor at the UAA, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Medical Director of the APU Student Health Clinic.

Dr. Beal's passion for healthcare was matched with his drive for education. After serving on the Mayor's Task Force of Education, Dr. Beal realized that a private secular school was needed to provide families with an educational choice to ensure a thriving Anchorage. Dr. Beal founded Pacific Northern Academy (PNA). Now, 28 years later, PNA continues to combine a rigorous academic curriculum with character development and to graduate exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage and integrity.

Dr. Beal's legacy in both the Alaska medical and education fields will be honored at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 2 p.m., at Pacific Northern Academy, 2511 Sentry Drive in Anchorage. A funeral service and burial will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in the Veteran's Cemetery in Anaconda.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Beal's honor to Pacific Northern Academy.

Dr. Beal is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Mark Beal, Brian Beal, Mathew Beal, Nicole Beal, Sabrina Hartley, Matt Lagao, Kalani Lagao and Rick Lagao; and many grandchildren. The family would like to thank VA home health care and Providence Hospice for their support and care during Dr. Beal's illness.