In my life, I have walked amongst many great forest giants that line the avenue of experience, which is called life.
As you move on through this avenue, some giants are felled, and it is not clear to me why, some of my giants are felled so soon.
Larry Brecken was one of these giants who loomed large in our world.
Larry who shared my love and enthusiasm for my adopted world.
He from Newfoundland. Me from deepest, darkest Africa. Not sure which is further.
Bent on adventure in a new and exciting world. Soon captivated.
We formed a group of doctors out of necessity.
Cook, Haley ,Burg, Brecken, Manray, we worked very hard, we played even harder and we loved our world, our patients and Northern B.C.
There was never a day not covered, a call too trivial, and a patient not treated.
Then one day Brecken betrayed us and went off to specialize in Radiology.
My practice became unmanageable by patients who said, "Dr. Brecken is leaving and we know he is indispensable and the only doctor we can see, but you and your colleagues are trying to be second best and he says it is OK for a while!"
Lo and behold, a radiologist and a super specialist.
He could not stay away. He cared so much - he was back and wow, was he back.
If there is a patient in Prince George or Northern Health who did not have the benefit of the caring, personable, affectionate, touch of Larry Brecken, whether you know it or not, he was there, advocating on your behalf for imaging services (x-ray, CT scan, MR, ultrasound, etc.)
He was a strong supporter of the Northern Medical Society and an advocate for northern patients.
The loss of Larry Brecken has immeasurably affected Prince George and our world, because he loved life, added value to all he knew and most of all he was my friend, who I loved and respected.
We will miss him and Prince George will be the poorer for his loss but richer by much for his endless advocacy for his patients and the people of Northern BC.
Dr. Jan Burg
Prince George
