Dr. Winston K. Mebust, who was chair of urology at the University of Kansas Medical Center from 1974 to 1999, "went to be with the Lord" on April 10, 2005, in Sarasota, Fla.

During his two and a half decades of service to the American Urological Association (AUA) and American Board of Urology (ABU), Dr. Mebust had been an officer at multiple levels including, treasurer of the AUA from 1996-2000, president of the AUA in 2002, president of the ABU in 1988, president of the South Central Section of the AUA in 1982 ,and chairman of the AUA/ABU Joint Examinations Committee from 1982-1987. Dr. Mebust also served as chief of urology service at the Veterans Administration Medical Center from 1966-1975.

Dr. Mebust published a definitive study in the Journal of Urology in 1989, which advocated an endoscopic approach to prostate surgery. This significantly dropped the morbidity and mortality rate associated with operation. This publication still stands as one of the classic articles written in the field of urology.

Dr. Mebust served as chairman of AUA Practice Parameters, Guidelines and Standards Committee from 1989-1996. His efforts have been recognized by governmental officials and leaders of other medical specialties as a model for developing guidelines in the field of medicine.

Dr. Mebust was also honored by the AUA and received awards from the Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Education in 1986, the AUA Distinguished Contribution Award in 1993 and in 1992 he received the William L. Valk Distinguished Professor Award from the University of Kansas Medical Center, as well as having the Winston K. Mebust Urology Resident Library named in his honor in 1999.

Winston Keith Mebust was born in Malta on July 2, 1933. He obtained a medical degree from the University of Washington Medical School in 1958 and trained in general surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital and Mason Clinic in Seattle, and fulfilled his residency in urology at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

As well as being an accomplished physician, Dr. Mebust was a loving husband of 50 years and is survived by his wife, Lora Mebust; his mother, Ann; two brothers, Leland and James; four children, Leanne, Kevin, Kreg and Karl; and five grandchildren.

Service were held on Saturday, April 16, at Faith Lutheran Church in Prairie Village, Kan.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation or the Endowment for the University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Urology.