Gesford H. Francis Gesford H. Francis, 77, of Phoenix, passed away on May 18, 2006 after an illness. He was born on December 22, 1928, in Peoria, Arizona to James and Margaret Francis. He was a respected, retired West Valley businessman, served as president of Valley Industries, a successful cotton gin business that was started by his grandfather. He handled the financing end of Valley Industries while his brother handled the cotton gin management. As a prominent member of the farming community, he was involved in the industry as past president of Arizona Cotton Ginners, a member of Arizona Cotton Growers, and past president of Phoenix Cotton Exchange. He also devoted time and energy to several community boards including serving as chairman of the John C. Lincoln hospital board, and as a founding director of the Thunderbird Bank in the 1960's in Glendale. Thunderbird Bank sold to M & I Bank in the 1990's. One of his proudest accomplishments was his service to Arizona State University as a visionary of the West Campus. His involvement with the campus started in September 1989 when he became the second member of the Provost's Club. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James S. Francis Jr.. He leaves behind his loving wife of 15 years, Joan his five sons and their families; Michael and Mary Ellen Francis, Bradley and Brenda Francis, Steven and Gayle Francis, Perry and Elenor Francis, and Todd and Susan Francis, as well as ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.