Francis G. Preston

Francis G. Preston, MD was born on June 11, 1920 in Visalia, CA and passed peacefully in his sleep on March 6, 2017. He was born to Dr. and Mrs. Addison Preston, his father being a physician in general practice there. He attended Visalia high school and was valedictorian of his 1937 graduating class. He then began pre-medical training at UC Berkeley obtaining his B.S. in 1941 and then on to UC -San Francisco medical school, graduating in 1943 with an MD. He interned at UC Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1943-44. He then served his country for two years during World War II as a captain in the Army Medical Corps, serving in the US, France and Germany. He did his residency in surgery at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital 1946-49 and in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bellevue Hospital, New York University, NY in 1949-50. He was a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He settled with his family in Santa Barbara in 1951 where he practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for 31 years and was purported to have delivered close to 5,000 babies. While still in college he met the love of his life, Maxine Miller and they were married in 1942. She lovingly and loyally put up with his nomadic life during the years he spent in the army and getting specialty training. By the time he started his practice, William and Kenneth were a part of the family and David and Robert followed soon after. Apart from his busy obstetrical practice, he and Maxine had a wonderful time raising their children and at the same time enjoying extensive travel in the states and abroad. Frans love of sports was shown by his and Maxine’s support of San Marcos and UCSB athletics and by his love of golf. He and Maxine cheered the Royals (football) and Gauchos (volleyball) on and traveled to many golf resorts throughout their marriage. But their real love was their cabin in Wilsonia Village in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon. They loved their time in the Sierras and Fran was instrumental in securing Historical building status for the cabins in Wilsonia when they were threatened by the Parks service for being private property inside King’s Canyon National Park. They were dedicated members of the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara and faithfully served it through their lifetimes. Francis served on various church committees and was a long time elder and deacon. He was also a member of Rotary, Santa Barbara Club and La Cumbre Country Club. He was a 75 year Mason and served as Master of La Cumbre #192 of the F&AM. Maxine died a sudden and untimely death in 1995, ending a wonderful 52 years of marriage. Putting his grief behind him as best he could, he moved to Valle Verde Retirement home where many of his professional and recreational friends were already residents. With their support, he resumed his interest in travel, photography and golf. He resided there until his death. He was preceded in death by his son David in 2015. He leaves three sons and three daughters-in-law: William (Pamela), Kenneth (Beth) and Robert (Patty). Also eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren survive him. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff members at Valle Verde for their loving support throughout his years of residence and his last days. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the benefit of one’s choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 1 st. at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Constance and State streets.