Bruce Preston

Preston, Bruce Arthur

Suddenly, at home, on Sunday, February 15th, in his 75th year. Bruce, beloved husband of Beverley (Jemmett) for more than 51 years. Dearest Dad to Steven and his wife Vanessa, and Jeffrey and his wife Amanda. Adored Grandad of Nicholas and Chloe. Dear son of the late Thomas and Doris Preston, brother of Trevor (late Penny) and the late Jeanie (Berkley Jones). Dear son-in-law of the late Bob and Doris Jemmett, and brother-in-law of the late Nancy. Loved uncle of Tracey (Phil), Jennifer (Holly), Greg, Lindy, David (Jodi) and Janet, and their families. Bruce will be missed by his aunt, Eunice Pawson in England, and many cousins both in Canada and in England.

Bruce was always ready and willing to help family, friends and neighbours with anything they asked, from computer troubleshooting to home repairs. After retirement from his career in the computer field, he started a small handyman business which combined his love of fixing things with his commitment to helping others. He shared his skills willingly, patiently, and was always determined to find a solution to any problem, and instilled these skills in Steven and Jeff.

Bruce’s many hobbies and interests reflected his love of being hands-on. He had a passion for cars that began in childhood and went on to own many over the years, often doing his own repairs and maintenance. He followed Formula 1 racing from the 1960s onwards, and was always interested to follow the advancing technology in the cars over the decades.

Bruce also loved sailing, and raced weekly for many years out of the Etobicoke Yacht Club. He and Bev owned a 24-foot sailboat, which he named Song of Joy, and enjoyed taking family and friends on excursions out of Midland. After selling the boat, he explored new waters by chartering sailboats for trips with family and friends in the North Channel of Georgian Bay and in Desolation Sound, British Columbia with his great friend Barry. He also owned a series of small boats based at the family cottage, and was thrilled recently to initiate his grandchildren into this passion by taking them sailing off Woodland Beach.

An avid reader, Bruce always had a book on the go, especially enjoying books about intrepid naval explorers and adventurers. But he would also pick up anything related to history or current affairs, and every conversation with him was an opportunity to discuss his most recent book, feeding his lifelong curiosity to learn more about the world.

Bruce and Bev took great pleasure in travel, especially with their sons on family vacations from coast to coast in Canada and to Britain. Some of their later highlights included seeing icebergs in Newfoundland, canal boating in England and touring Ireland.

Family and friends were at the heart of Bruce’s life, with some of his lifelong friendships lasting more than 60 years. He was thrilled to welcome two daughters-in-law, Vanessa and Amanda, into the family, having fun in their company and savouring the new dimension they brought to family life. He took great pride in his grandchildren and their activities, cheering for Nicholas at the hockey rink and applauding Chloe at her dance recitals. He enjoyed social events with family, friends, and neighbours on Queens Drive, which was home for more than 40 years.

Loved ones will always remember his gentle sense of humour and how much he relished puns (the cornier, the better). He was at his happiest spending time at the cottage with Bev and their family: puttering away on odd jobs or projects, enjoying the outdoors, and swimming in Georgian Bay. He knew how to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Bruce’s memory to Humber River Hospital or West Park Healthcare Centre.

Click here to donate to Humber River Hospital Foundation

Click here to donate to West Park Healthcare Centre