Mark Preston

Obituary

When you’ve experienced more than 100 years of life you’ve earned the right to a lengthy obituary. While Dad expressed that “nobody reads all that stuff anyway”, how can you share such an amazing journey in just a few words?

A draftsman and tool and die maker by trade and a self taught woodworker and craftsman, to his children Dad earned the nickname “Micrometer Mark”. The beauty and precision of his cabinetry and projects are impeccable and will be enjoyed and admired for generations to come. First to drop everything to help someone whether starting something from scratch or restoring an antique, nothing daunted him. Dad gave from the heart. His wisdom and generosity were given freely.

Born (ironically) in Preston Ontario March 25th, 1924 to Joseph and Antonia, Dad was welcomed by sisters Mary and Dorothy and brothers Michael, John, Frank and later Joe (who have all predeceased him). His younger sister Helen still lives independently in Kitchener.

Dad met the love of his life, our Mother Louise (Zadro) while visiting Guelph with his buddies. Mom stole his heart from the first time he laid eyes on her and he traveled the distance every weekend regardless of the weather. Ontario travel in the 1940’s was not what it is today and winter weather was definitely more severe than our current climate change conditions. A winter blizzard with closed roads greeted Dad on the morning of November 25th, 1950 but through the grace of God and a couple of good samaritans, Dad made it to the church.

Together they would lovingly and generously share the next 72 years raising 4 children, enjoying 8 grandchildren and doting on 8 great-grandchildren. Their love, their faith and their children (and their families) were their primary focus and source of great pride.

Nancy (Ross), Jeff (Linda), Paul (Melody) and Christine could not have been raised by more dedicated and loving parents.

Those life-lessons and outpouring of love, encouragement and support were the tools bestowed upon us from birth.

The family tree blossomed with third and fourth generations of: Nancy/Ross: Pete (Lisa):  Oliver & Henry, Rebecca:  Aila.Jeff/Linda:  Ashley:  Aubrey, Jamie (Rob):  Carter, Hudson & Charlotte, Nicolaas, Chris (Emily):  Brooks. Christine: Luke (Mark), Jordan. We’d be remiss if we didn’t share the special bond Dad and Mom had with our cousins Rick & Ann, their children Matthew (Caroline) and Laura (Marc) and their grandchildren Andrew, Ryan and Michael all of whom visited from Ottawa regularly.

Dad began his career in the drafting and tool & die trade with major appliance factories around the KW and Cambridge areas before moving to the Guelph Stove Company in the 60’s. His (and Mom’s) constant desire to give their children a better life than their own led them to building their own cottage in Southampton around 1967. Mom would have the car packed and waiting as we finished the last day of school and headed to the cottage for the entire summer! Dad would travel to Southampton every weekend to enjoy “the life of leisure”.

By 1971 he’d had enough of the city rat-race and opted to quit his job and move the family to Southampton permanently. With a few small jobs in between he started with Ontario Hydro in 1972. Bruce County snowstorms, road closures and challenges were met with a smile as the stress of the city was now in the past.

Dad finally had time to pursue his love of fishing and woodworking. A boat soon followed and when retirement began in 1987 he could not wait for the opportunity to take his grandkids fishing every chance he had. Nicolaas still laughs at the tale of Luke’s lure catching Grandpa in the ear on Arran Lake when they were younger.

We all… every one of us has so many happy memories of our time spent either individually, or as a family with the man we all admired and loved. No matter what was going on in his own life he always made time for those he loved.

We’ll miss him, the Dad jokes, the vast knowledge he shared with each one of us in his own special way but we’ll forever be in awe of his 100 years of history, witnessing mankind’s inventions and evolutions… his experiences. The love he shared will stay with us forever.

It should be noted that while a recent stroke hampered his mobility his mind and wit stayed sharp as a tack and amazed us all! Dad passed in his sleep with family beside him.  Blessed right to the end.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Hampton Court and Southampton Care Centre for the incredible care you provided Dad.

Rest in peace Dad… please give Mom a hug for us!

Spring funeral details will be found in April on Eagleson’s website www.eaglesonfuneralhome.com

Expressions of Remembrance can be made to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation or Canadian Food for Children if desired.