Dr. Reinaldo Beyer

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Dr. Reinaldo Walter Beyer, 58, a Del Mar resident, died suddenly on Sept. 8 when the plane he was practicing maneuvers in suffered a mechanical failure and crashed in Borrego Springs. Just one month earlier, Beyer competed in the FAI World Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Hungary, as part of an American team that took third place.

Reinaldo was born on June 10, 1954, in Chile. He was drawn to flying from an early age and took his first flight in his uncle’s airplane at the age of 3. At the age of 16, Reinaldo started flying gliders and discovered aerobatics. He competed in soaring and was a proficient flight instructor.

Reinaldo put flying on hold while in medical school at the University of Chile. He then completed his residency and cardiology fellowship at University of California Los Angeles — Wadsworth VA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He accepted a professorship at the University of Chile, but soon returned to San Diego to marry his wife, Liz, and start his career. He practiced at the University of California San Diego until joining Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego in 1999. He specialized in interventional cardiology procedures for coronary, valvular and congenital heart disease at Sharp Memorial Hospital.   

Reinaldo was an accomplished aerobatic pilot and competitor and represented the United States in international aerobatic competition as the captain of the USA Advanced Aerobatic Team in 2010. Reinaldo shared his passions for flying, skiing and exploring the wilderness with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Noll, who is also a cardiologist at Sharp Rees-Stealy.

“Sharp Rees-Stealy has lost a dear friend, colleague and an exceptional physician who positively touched the lives of his patients throughout his career, which spanned more than two decades,” said Dr. Donald C. Balfour, III, president and medical director of Sharp Rees-Stealy. “He will be greatly missed.”

Reinaldo is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his parents, Reinaldo and Eliana Beyer of Chile; his sister Elizabeth; brothers Arturo and Jorge and their children; and Red, his beloved golden retriever. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 4 pm at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

We invite you to share your memories and condolences on Sharp HealthCare’s Facebook page or via email at SRS.communications@sharp.com.