Jeffrey Childs Beard

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO -- Jeffrey Childs Beard, our beloved Jeff, together with his beloved son, Cameron Jeffrey Beard left this earth on July 15, 2015. Jeff and Cameron died as a result of an accident while backpacking in the Maroon Bells.

Jeff was born November 2, 1973, to Winston and Carolyn Beard. He was the fifth of eight children. Jeff was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He served an LDS mission to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Mission and afterwards graduated from Brigham Young University, Provo. He was awarded a master degree in electrical engineering and has been employed by Keysight Technologies and its predecessors since graduating.

While at Brigham Young University Idaho, Jeff met Camille Hammond. Jeff waited for her to serve an LDS mission in Florida. In June 1998, they were married in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. Cameron was their second child. He was born July 16, 2001. Cameron just completed 7th grade at Thomas MacLaren School, in Colorado Springs. Jeff and Cameron were both active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At the time of their death, Jeff was serving as a scoutmaster and Cameron was the president of the deacons quorum.

Jeff and Cameron were close to each other. Cameron had two open heart surgeries. Jeff was always at Cameron’s side; they were best friends. When Cameron was younger, Jeff and Cameron built elaborate geo-tracks. Cameron and Jeff were always together working on projects around the home, gardening, playing, or watching documentaries. They both loved to camp and hike. Cameron went with Jeff on all of his scout activities. They loved the rollercoasters at Disneyland and other resorts.

Jeff loved his work. He considered his associates at Keysight as true friends. He loved his church, but most of all he loved his dear Camille and their 5 children. He made life fun for all of them. He loved to work on his home and he loved to landscape and garden. He had a beautiful yard and grew grapes and many vegetables.

Cameron was loved by everyone who knew him and was a precious son, brother, and friend. Cameron faced some great trials in his life, but he always rose to the challenge and embraced them with smiles and a courageous positive attitude. He had a keen and inquisitive mind and a genuine love for people. He was a hard worker. He loved building things with his dad and brothers. Cameron loved to play board games with his family and he had a great love for the outdoors. His love for his older sister, Elise, made them inseparable. He considered it an honor to look out for this two younger brothers and sister. Cameron loved the Lord and had an unshakable faith in his Heavenly Father.

Jeff and Cameron will be missed by all who knew them. Jeff had a heart of gold and was generous with his time and talents. Jeff had a deep abiding love for the Savior. He carried with him a testimony of Jesus Christ and a knowledge that he is a son of God. He believed that it was not happenstance, but by divine design that he was placed on the earth at this time. He lived a wonderful life and was a great blessing to those that knew and loved him. We look forward to being reunited with Jeff and Cameron in the eternities and again enjoying their love and warmth. Jeff and Cameron were best friends in life and will continue as best friends on the other side of the veil.

Survivors include Jeff’s wife and Cameron’s mother, Camille Hammond Beard,; Elise Cassandra Beard, age 15, a daughter and sister, Brandon Parker Beard, age 7, a son and brother, Corbin Victor Beard, age 3 a son and brother, and Sarah Camille Beard age 2, a daughter and sister. Jeff is survived by his parents Winston and Carolyn Beard of Idaho Falls, and his siblings, Randy Beard (Andrea) of Orem, UT, Roxane Smith (Dave) of Vernon, British Columbia, Eric Beard (Tanya) of North Salt Lake, UT, Matt Beard (Alyssa) of Denver,CO, Keli Jo Beard (Dave) of Salt Lake City, Cassie Crystal (Austin) of Idaho Falls, and nineteen nieces and nephews. Jeff’s beloved younger sister Hollie Beard died September 1, 2007.

Cameron is survived by this mother, Camille, his older Sister Elise, his younger brothers, Brandon and Corbin, and his younger sister, Sarah. He is also survived by his grandparents, Doug and Marilyn Hammond of Idaho Falls, ID, and Aunts and Uncles, Jennifer (Ken) Merrill of Meridian, ID, Robert Hammond (Katie) of Ladera Ranch, CA, Tyler Hammond (Courtney) of Orem, UT, James Hammond (Nettie) of South Jordan, UT, Marianne Sessions (Sky) of Germany and Jessica Frost (Matt) of Meridian, ID.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at the Mountain Shadows LDS Ward, 5375 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Spring, Colorado. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m, prior to the service, at the at Mountain Shadows Ward, 5375 Centennial Blvd. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery, Idaho Falls, Idaho. There will be a graveside service on Monday, July 27, 2015.