Ex-councilman eulogized as a 'shining light' in Springs

More than 800 mourners gathered Friday to try to come to grips with former city councilman Ted Eastburn’s shocking death, by remembering his life.

Eastburn, a Colorado Springs heart doctor remembered for his dedication to public service and charity, shot himself Tuesday in a room in his Memorial Hospital cardiology practice. Those who admired Eastburn, though, said people should hold on to memories of how he lived, not how he died.

“You don’t realize the shining light you have in your midst until you lose them,” eulogist Richard Skorman said outside Shove Memorial Chapel at Colorado College, where the service was held.

Skorman, who served on the Colorado Springs City Council with Eastburn from 1999 to 2003, said mementos of the doctor’s life can be found all over the city.

Many people are alive today because of Eastburn’s healing abilities, Skorman said. Others will get a second chance at life because of a program Eastburn inspired to install defibrillators at city facilities to save heart attack victims.

“Those bicycle lanes you see popping up all over town, that’s Ted, too,” Skorman said.
Born in Texas and raised in Tennessee, Eastburn was an Army veteran and heart transplant pioneer before he moved to Colorado Springs in 1991.

In Colorado, he quickly became known for his community service, sense of humor and intellect.

“He was very interested in making this community the best place it could be,” said City Councilman Randy Purvis.

Eastburn wasn’t without a few quirks. Mayor Lionel Rivera recalled how Eastburn, an avid cyclist, would show up to city meetings in full cycling gear and a sports coat.

“Ted was a unique guy,” Rivera said with a smile.

Unlike most politicians, Eastburn didn’t seem to make enemies.

Among the mourners Friday was El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark, who opposed Eastburn in the 2003 mayoral race that Rivera won.

“I had deep respect for Ted and his ability to connect with people,” Clark said.

Mourners surrounded Eastburn’s family after the service offering tearful hugs. The doctor left behind four children, two ex-wives and a woman he planned to marry.

He also left behind questions that never will be answered.

“Nobody can understand what happened,” former state senator Ed Jones said after the service. “Only God knows.”

“I just know that we’re all going to miss him.”