Published: May 05, 2008 11:01 am         

Dear Santa

Bill Preston will be missed by many

One of the most beloved pieces of American writing appeared in the New York Sun newspaper in 1897, Francis Church's editorial response to an 8-year-old girl named Virginia O'Hanlon, who wanted to know if there was a Santa Claus.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," said Church.

We also can vouch for the fact that Santa Claus is real, because we've met him.

His name was Bill Preston, and he lived in Frostburg. Many people loved him, and if ever there was a place reserved for someone in Heaven well ahead of time, it was for him.

Preston was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and often extended his ministry to those who didn't have a church. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War was active in veterans' affairs and played "Snappy" in the Ali Ghan Shrine Clown Unit.

He served Frostburg as its mayor and in various commissioner posts frequently rode city trucks with their crews during snowstorms. The Frostburg Volunteer Fire Department thought enough of Preston to make him an honorary Frostburg Fireman.

But it may be as Santa Claus that Preston will be most remembered. The number of lives he touched in the 56 years he played this role alone can never be estimated. In an era when many complain that Christmas is being overly commercialized, Preston's Santa always had time to recite a poem his sister wrote, one that reminds us "God gave you the greatest gift."

Preston, who died last week at age 83, was one of God's great gifts to us. His life was very well lived, and we are thankful to have known him.