It is with great sadness that I report Dr. Ted Eastburn, a long-time physician at Pikes Peak Cardiology, died tragically this morning at Memorial Hospital Central, where his practice is located.

Eastburn, a former City Councilor, was praised by patients and city officials Tuesday as word of his death spread. ”Ted was dedicated to our community and his life deserves to be honored for his service to his patients, Memorial Health System, and our city,” said Mayor Lionel Rivera, in a statement. “As a council member Ted always cared for and worked to support our employees and the citizens who elected him to office. We will miss him.”

“Colorado Springs lost one of it’s best citizens today. A statesman and an awesome doctor, mentor, and friend to all,” a Gazette reader commented in response to the news article. “We will miss you Dr. Eastburn. Thanks for the care you gave our family and making Colorado Springs a better place to live for all.”

Eastburn’s family asked Memorial to release the following statement on their behalf:

“Dr. Ted Eastburn was born on Feb. 7, 1954, in Columbus, Mississippi, and he grew up in Fort Worth, TX, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Eastburn graduated from Rhodes College, where he was President of the Honor Council and Senior Class President. Dr. Eastburn graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1980. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center, in Honolulu, HI. He served in the U.S. Army from1980 – 1984.

Dr. Eastburn returned to Vanderbilt for an academic fellowship in cardiology, where he served alongside Dr. William Frist, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, setting up one of the first heart transplant programs in the country.

Dr. Eastburn joined Pikes Peak Cardiology in Colorado Springs in 1991 and became a senior partner. He served as City Councilman for the City of Colorado Springs from 1999 – 2003, and ran for mayor at the end of his term.

Dr. Eastburn was an avid bicyclist who toured the western region and parts of Europe whenever he had a chance. He loved Colorado Springs and contributed his time, energy, and expertise to causes like Peak Vista (clinics for the underserved and uninsured).

His life ended tragically this morning, August 17, 2010. Services will be announced at a later date.”

The office of Pikes Peak Cardiology, which leases space in Memorial’s East Tower, will be closed tomorrow and is scheduled to re-open Thursday. Scheduled procedures on Wednesday will go on as planned, performed by Dr. Eastburn’s colleagues.

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