Alan Jay Beard

Alan J. Beard died at home on June 24. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 6, 1958, he spent most of his life in Washington D.C. where he attended graduate school, married, built a career in international business- emerging market finance, while raising three children, all while being active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an LDS mission in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras then returned home to complete a B.A. at the University of Utah. After studying in Paris, he received an MBA from George Washington University. He started his career with the government, finishing at the Export-Import Bank, after which he joined a small consulting firm he and a partner grew & sold to Banc One (now part of J.P. Morgan Chase). He started another consulting firm, grew it into a number of private equity funds & overseas joint ventures, where he remained involved even after his move to Utah last year. A dual US-British citizen, he was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University where he taught international business & finance. As a recognized expert in his field, he also edited, co-wrote and produced more than a dozen books on International business topics as well as wrote & was featured in various articles in business publications.

Alan was an avid outdoor enthusiast, which included him becoming a Scoutmaster in Virginia, where he introduced urban boys to the wonders of nature. Once a year for over 40 years he went on "Great Adventures" with his brothers, riding horses in the backcountry of the Uinta, Wasatch, Wind River Ranges & the Aquarius Plateau where he "recharged his batteries." While he was at ease with his business colleagues & peers in great cities of the world, he was just as comfortable shooting a gun, riding a horse or camping at high elevation in the West & spinning a good yarn around the campfire. He and his wife, Brenda traveled extensively throughout the world, nurturing their shared love of art, culture, and adventure. He loved people & had a magnetic presence. Alan found his own version of heaven on earth last year when he achieved his lifelong dream of moving to St. George, into his dream home, with his dream girl. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Brenda, his children Katherine, Phillip & Elliott, his daughter-in-law Natalie, & grandchildren, Collette and Desmond.

Alan's service will be held at the Draper 9th ward on July 3rd at 11 AM with a viewing starting an hour prior. To attend the services online please visit back at the time of the service a press the "watch service" button.