Gregory Alllan Franks

Gregory Alllan Franks beloved son of Larry and Donna Franks died in Santa Barbara June 26 after giving joy to his family for over fifty-six years. Greg ,a native Santa Barbarian, spent most of his life in Santa Barbara the city he loved . Greg’s primary education was gained in the Santa Barbara public schools :
Peabody Elementary , La Colina JHS and San Marcus HS .While at La Colina he played trumpet in
Mr.Vander Ark’s Advanced Jazz Band . During these years he was a member of the YMCA swim team
and later a member of the water polo team at San Marcus . Following high school Greg attended UCSB
where he graduate with a degree in political science.

He was a handsome man with a with ready smile and made friends where ever he went. He had great
interest in the human condition particularly the plight of the less fortunate. His other interest included
the environment especially the ocean and wildlife and supported a number of organizations devoted
to these concerns . He loved the ocean and took advantage of all it offered from swimming ,to fishing
to surfing where he became highly skilled. He had a life –long interest in music and had a sizeable
record collection.

Following graduation from UCSB Greg worked at various retail jobs , as he did through college, but
found the perfect place at Radon boat works . The job fitted well with his skills and allowed him to help
build things he loved. He enjoyed the harbor scene and took particular pride in the fire boats he
helped build which now serve at the Santa Barbara harbor, Port San Luis Obispo and the Fire Rescue
Unit in Kauai . Unfortunately he suffered a back injury and multiple surgeries that followed never
ended the pain. The injury prevented him from enjoying many of the activities he loved but despite the
pain and later medical problems he courageously continued to find pleasure in life without complaint .As a diversion he turned to the guitar and found great pleasure in sessions with his long-time friend Ray Willig.

Now in some distant realm where the is no pain and birds sing songs of peace chord progressions from
two 12 string guitars float on rarified air to the enjoyment of old and new -found friends.

Greg is survived by his parents and sister Wendy Brady of Corning CA ,nephews Kaleb and Karson Brady
, nieces Kelli and Kylie Brady and Kacey Renaud ,cousins Christina and Michelle Zahalka, Steven Franks
and Victoria Hughes .

A celebration of Greg’s life is planned for a later date.

Friends may make contributions to the American Cancer Society.