Dr. Becquer Marcelo Benalcazar, MD, 82, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026. He was surrounded by his family and the grandchildren that knew him as “Baba”.
He was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Alausi, Ecuador to Don Luis and Doña Blanca Benalcazar. His family later emigrated to Colombia when he was 4 years old. He graduated with his medical degree from La Universidad del Valle in 1968 and continued his residency in Chicago.
At his residency, he met and fell in love with a fellow physician, Regine Schmid. Upon their residencies ending, and with 2 months’ notice, he went to Regine’s native country of Switzerland to visit. During this trip they vacationed to Greece. While on a ferry boat in the Aegean Sea, they found a moment alone under the tarp of a lifeboat where he proposed to her with a bottle of wine; thus cementing his self-identity as “Zorba the Ecuadorian.” They married in 1974 and moved to Topeka, Kansas to join the Menninger Foundation, both working as clinical psychiatrists, practicing decades until its departure in 2001. They continued their adventures by selling their Topeka home and most of their possessions, residing in France and Japan until finally settling in Lawrence, Kansas.
Becquer was affectionate, intellectually curious and he loved his people fervently and loyally. He is survived by the love of his life, his partner in crime, and wife of over 50 years, Regine; his children, Caterina and Marcelo; his brother, Jorge; and his sister, Patricia. Preceding him in death is his youngest brother, Cesar.
His hobbies were his work, cursing at conservative politicians on CNN, and traveling with Regine. Even after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma and a near fatal lung infection he continued treating patients for several years. He served as the Director of the Greater KC Psychoanalytic Institute and maintained his ties with many of his former Menninger colleagues.
Please raise a glass of Guinness and/or single malt Scotch whisky in celebration of the man we all love and miss so, so much, Becquer Benalcázar de Villacis.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful Doctor. He saved my life when I was at a very low point. I will never forget him.
I am so very sad for Regina, Caterina and Marcelo in the loss of their dad and husband. The brightness of memories that still cause us to smile and laugh are what remain. Our love continues and we hold those memories very close. My love to each of you. Karen
We love you both. He saved me during a particular illness and was extremely kind
Celeste Trepinski
Great neighbors, Becker and Regine! He helped my wife with his medical expertise and his calming demeanor. He laughed when I’d send comics to him and he loved people with all his heart. He is resting now in a great place at peace from his bodily struggles.
Our love to Regine and his children and grandchildren.
Liebe Schwester Regine, liebe Caterina, lieber Marcelo und eure Familien, wir kondolieren euch aufs herzlichste. Wir werden Becquers Lachen, seinen Witz, seinen Humor und seine Mischung aus hoher Intelligenz und warmer Empathie, seine Einzigartigkeit nie vergessen, und wir spüren, welchen Verlust ihr erlitten habt. Wir sind bei euch und wünschen euch viel Kraft für die kommende schwierige Zeit. Eure Christoph und Eva, Daniel, Claudia und ihre Familien aus der Schweiz
So sad to see this. Regina and family are in my thoughts.
I am heartbroken. Becquer was my dear, dear friend and I loved him deeply. My heart is with Regina, his children and grandchildren who were the center of his life. The world is less bright without Becquer’s wit, wisdom and witness to others who were in need of his exceptional knowledge, technique, and kindness. A brilliant soul never to be forgotten. I love you forever Becquer. God bless you Regina.