1942-2026

John Preston passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 13, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 57 years, his daughter Pasley, his grandchildren Devon and Tallis, his twin sister Joan, and his brother David.

John was born in Toronto in 1942 to parents Frederick Preston, an orthopedic surgeon, and Joan Preston (nee Murray). The Preston family later moved to Windsor, and subsequently to Vancouver.

John initially studied medicine at UBC, intending to become a surgeon like his father. However, he made the unexpected decision to follow his true calling and switched to studying English literature — and poetry, in particular. It was in that program that he met his future wife, Beverly Meltabarger. Bev and John crossed the country to settle down in Montreal and pursue degrees at McGill University. They married in 1968. That same year, John began teaching English literature at the newly opened Vanier College. When he retired over four decades later, it was with great reluctance: he loved teaching, his close friendships with his colleagues, and his involvement in the Vanier Singers choir.

In 1971, John and Bev’s daughter, Pasley, was born – named after the private island off the coast of Vancouver where John’s family spent many idyllic summers. Pasley has followed in her parents’ footsteps as an English literature teacher, while John’s grandchildren, Devon and Tallis, are also pursuing teaching careers in the arts. Truly, John became the patriarch of a beloved family business.

For most of their lives together John and Bev lived in lower Westmount, in a home that was always filled with music, art, books, tomato plants, cats, happy holidays with family and friends, laughter and love.

John will be remembered fondly for his wry, but also unexpectedly silly sense of humour, his penchant for wind-up toys, his love of Keats, Eliot, and Frost, of Mahler, Monty Python, and The Beach Boys, of morning coffee and crosswords. He “took the road less travelled.” He was a loving and much-loved brother, father, uncle, and grandfather, and a sweet husband who regularly kissed his wife’s hand goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in John’s name to the Parkinson’s foundation of your choice — or to the Ministry of Silly Walks, whichever you prefer.