Final Salute

An active 30 year resident of beautiful Scripps Ranch in San Diego, Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the all-too-young age of 67.

After 4 years of ROTC at University of Illinois, he was commissioned into the US Navy and Civil Engineer Corps in 1980 as a young Ensign. This choice would change his life forever, for it led him to San Diego where he met the love of his life, Leslie Karen Wiegand (nee Weston), who was beginning her professional career as a civil service engineer for the Navy. They married in 1982.

After serving his country and achieving the rank of Commander, Francis joined the private sector and applied his civil engineering expertise to ensure quality construction of many significant projects including many major statewide Caltrans projects as well as the SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink Project.

His professional contributions and strong work ethic was matched by his devotion to his family and his passion for experiencing the adventures of nature-oriented travel with them. He was also an avid gardener, cyclist, and swimmer. At home he was a welcoming host for both friends and family, sharing his love of fine food, wine, and spirits. Francis had a rare ability to meet a stranger and, within minutes, make them feel like family. His kindness wasn’t just a gesture — it was his way of life.  He didn’t just talk — he listened. He didn’t just meet people — he cared for them.   Of all the things he was passionate about, nothing was more precious to him than the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Francis is survived by his wife of 42 years and best friend Leslie, their son Paul, daughter Courtney, their 6 grandchildren, his sister-in-law Cara, and his 4 sisters Judy, Kathy, Trish and Chrissy.

Services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery on May 23 at 9:30 a.m.