Charles Henry Beard was born on 14 August 1938, the son of an eminent anaesthetist. He was educated at Westminster School, where he was a chorister, scholar and became school captain. As a chorister he had the distinction in 1953 to sing out 'Vivat, vivat Regina' when the crown was placed on Her Majesty's head at the Coronation service. He then went on as a scholar to Caius College, Cambridge, and completed his medical studies at St Thomas's Hospital, graduating in 1963. For a while he was interested in neurology and neurosurgery before he finally embraced his great love, plastic surgery. He completed his training in Manchester and then joined the plastic surgical department at Preston in 1975, serving a wide area in North-West England. He was a most skilful surgeon, especially in the treatment of burns, who inspired the loyalty of his team and he won the devotion of the nursing staff for his skill, thoughtfulness and kindness. He was beloved by both staff and patients. In addition to a heavy clinical load, Charles Beard found time to become a committee member of the British Burns Association and a member of the British Standards Committee, he also served on the local BMA committee and was secretary of the hospital staff committee. He was a dedicated teacher of his own staff and in the postgraduate centre where he gave his last talk entitled 'The ageing face'. This was a month before he died and he apologised for the breathlessness that was induced when he cleaned the blackboard. Charles Beard had many interests and was widely read. A lover of music he sang in the Cecilian Choir. He married a musician and he and his wife played an increasing part in stimulating the performance and enjoyment of music in their adopted town. He had two sons, who followed their father to Westminster School. After his family and professions his great interest was in his cruising yacht; with typical care and thoroughness he qualified in navigation and revelled in sailing through force seven winds off the west coast of Scotland. In the midst of his full and fruitful life he discovered he was dying, but with tremendous bravery, despite side-effects of treatment he and his wife determined to include as much work, teaching and friendship into his remaining life. Charles Beard was operating until two weeks before the end. Much was learnt by many people from their frankness, courage and the happy atmosphere in their home during this final year. Charles's funeral service at the village of Croston was filled to capacity and his friend Christopher Underwood, the distinguished baritone, sang the music that Charles had chosen. Into his short life Charles Beard had concentrated so much achievement in many ways with a warmth and enthusiasm that was infectious.