Dr Keighley, a GP in Balfron, Stirling for 38 years was made an MBE in the 2015 New Year's Honours for services to primary care.
BMA Scotland chairman from 2009 to 2014, Dr Keighley served in prominent national roles with the GMC and RCGP and locally with the Forth Valley Health Board.
BMA Scotland Dr Peter Bennie said: 'Dr Keighley made an immense contribution to the health service and healthcare in his lifetime, both in a prominent national leadership role for the BMA providing thoughtful, articulate and constructive advice and also at the heart of his local community.
GP advocate
'He was a passionate advocate for health professionals, improving the health of the population and the quality of healthcare services across Scotland and the UK.
'In 2014 he was awarded a MBE in recognition of the impact he had on so many people’s lives through the very many roles and contributions he had made.
'His sage advice, counsel and extensive knowledge of health service issues will be sorely missed. Our sincerest condolences are with Brian’s family and friends at this difficult time.'
Prominent GPs and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter to pay tribute to Dr Keighley after the BMA reported his sudden death on the morning of 9 November.
It is with great sadness that we confirm our former chair Dr Brian Keighley has passed away https://t.co/wH38qtNk1U pic.twitter.com/mUUwvtvwIg
— BMA Scotland (@BMAScotland) November 9, 2015
.@rcgp @BMAScotland Very sad news. Brian gave so much to our profession - and was a great character! He will be sorely missed. RIP.
— Prof Maureen Baker (@Maureenrcgp) November 9, 2015
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Brian when I was Health Secretary & he was a strong champion of GPs and the NHS https://t.co/ey0uxyBa5M
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) November 9, 2015
@BMAScotland @wdeanmarshall Terrible news; a giant of the BMA and GPC and a wise and wonderful man. Condolences to his wife and family.
— Dr Robert Morley (@drbobmorley) November 9, 2015
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Brian Keighley ("The Laird"). A true gentleman whose well earned retirement was far too short
— Peter Swinyard (@phoenixdoc) November 9, 2015
