PRESTON, John Frederick
- January 13, 2026
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.
Zsolt Alapi
January 17, 2026 at 3:20 pmJohn’s humor and wit knew no bounds. He was a delight to be with, to share a glass with, to break bread with. I remember the many nights spent with John and Web and Vanier friends over a fine meals and telling stories well into the night. John was a lovely man, a brilliant conversationalist, a raconteur, with a heart of gold. Even though I only worked with him at Vanier for two years, our friendship lasted decades. He will be hugely missed, and our sincere condolences to Bev, Pasley, and the grandchildren. RIP
Zsolt Alapi
January 17, 2026 at 3:26 pmJohn’s humor and wit knew no bounds. He was a delight to be with, to share a glass with, to break bread with. I remember the many nights spent with John and Bev and Vanier friends over a fine meals and telling stories well into the night. John was a lovely man, a brilliant conversationalist, a raconteur, with a heart of gold. Even though I only worked with him at Vanier for two years, our friendship lasted decades. He will be hugely missed, and our sincere condolences to Bev, Pasley, and the grandchildren. RIP
Linda Soden
January 17, 2026 at 4:58 pmMy name is Linda, I’m Bev’s younger sister. My son David and I live in B.C. so we didn’t get to spend much time with Bev, John and Pasley over the years. I looked after our stepfather who had Parkinson’s so am familiar with how helpless one feels to see a loved one trying so hard to navigate this terrible disease. John was a very kind, gentle person and he made my sister happy and for that I will be forever grateful. David and I can’t be there but we send our love to Bev, Pasley, Jeff, Devon and Tallis.
Bev Preston
January 17, 2026 at 9:46 pmThanks, Linda. BTW, we arent having a funeral, but a Celebration of John at some later date.
Edith Dora Rey
January 17, 2026 at 6:47 pmDavid’s older brother + his family were our closest relatives on the east coast + we shared pretty well every Christmas, Easter + Thanksgiving dinner together for decades taking turns at each others houses. We so looked forward to the dinners at their beautiful Victorian Westmount house that had a real working fireplace! John often did the bulk of the cooking, surpassing himself one Christmas with an incredible Dickensian themed dinner, roast goose + all. John was the patriarch, witty, learned + master of the excruciating pun. Lover of classical music who retained by memory long, long complex passages of his favourite composers. Every summer John grew a great whack of enormous tomatoes which he generously shared us when we were gardenless Plateau-ites. John was a wonderfully devoted father to their bright loving daughter then uncle to our gems + then grandfather + grand uncle to the next sparkling generation. John will be sorely missed + fondly + tenderly remembered.
Edith Dora Rey
January 17, 2026 at 6:49 pmDavid’s older brother + his family were our closest relatives on the east coast + we shared pretty well every Christmas, Easter + Thanksgiving dinner together for decades taking turns at each others houses. We so looked forward to the dinners at their beautiful Victorian Westmount house that had a real working fireplace! John often did the bulk of the cooking, surpassing himself one Christmas with an incredible Dickensian themed dinner, roast goose + all. John was the patriarch, witty, learned + master of the excruciating pun. Lover of classical music who retained by memory long, long complex passages of his favourite composers. Every summer John grew a great whack of enormous tomatoes which he generously shared us when we were gardenless Plateau-ites. John was a wonderfully devoted father to their bright loving daughter then uncle to our gems + then grandfather + grand uncle to the next sparkling generation. John will be sorely missed + fondly + tenderly remembered. Love Edith
Bev
January 17, 2026 at 9:52 pmThanks, Edith, for reminding me of great times gone by
Edith
January 17, 2026 at 10:18 pmWe really did have some lovely dinners, backyard barbecues + Eastern Township vacations together. Our table kept growing bigger! We have so many warm memories to hold on to. ❤️
Bev
January 18, 2026 at 11:45 amWith Parkinsons, he lost a lot, but was still sweet and loving to the end—and still kissed my fingers goodbye the last time we parted.
Erin MacLeod
January 18, 2026 at 2:53 pmJohn was one of the first colleagues I met when I started at Vanier. I am not surprised to read that he was a teaching patriarch in his family – he held very much a similar position at Vanier. He modelled the type of ideal English teacher persona that I always admired and aspire to – compassionate, dedicated, exacting, and inspiring. He will be missed. Much love to his family at this time.
Angelika Maeser Lemieux
January 18, 2026 at 8:18 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. John contributed much to the English departmend and to the college. I do remember his participation in the choir, his gentle personality and friendly manner–a true gentleman.
Mariopi Spanos
January 19, 2026 at 10:05 amDear Bev, Pasley, and family,
I am so sorry to hear this. Quite simply, John was loved wherever he went. At Vanier, in our Enlgilsh department, he was the voice of reason, offering a clear, balanced viewpoint when things got difficult. He referred to himself as our resident “curmudgeon,” but he was in fact a softy, full of positivity and humour, and a wonderful mentor to new teachers. I cherish all the talks we had over the years about books, music, films, and food. Any time with John was time well spent. Rest easy, dear soul.
Nancy Giacomini
January 19, 2026 at 1:47 pmMy sincerest condolences to John’s family. He was a mentor and friend, but I was also very privileged to share an office with John for my first ten years at Vanier. Talking to him, spending time with him, and observing how he fulfilled his duties as a teacher left an indelible mark on my teaching and on how I approach all that I do with the students. I am so glad to have known him, and I think of him often as I go about my duties at the college. I will always remember his kindness and his humour. I am a better human for having spent so much time in his presence. Requiescat in Pace.
Janet Campbell
January 19, 2026 at 3:43 pmI am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. You have my prayers and condolences. I feel very fortunate to have been included in some of the family dinners hosted on Laval Street. I always looked forward to seeing you all and so much of my life here in Montreal was anchored to these evenings.
Kevin Bushell
January 19, 2026 at 7:44 pmBack when I started teaching at Vanier, I found myself on the union executive and arguing at a GA on behalf of novice teachers against a very divisive motion. When I was attacked, it was John who defended me, not so much for my position but against the tone of the attack by a senior colleague. I never forgot that. Later he did the same when I was chair of the department and someone made untoward comments about departmental protocol. His defence of respectful debate made him the unofficial “elder statesman” of the department, and I will admit, when he retired, I tried to model my own manner in meetings on his example. He had the office next to me for many years, and since we both loved modern poetry, I would often profit from his wisdom and insights. It was John who steered me toward the paintings of Edward Hopper as similar in mood to the haunting “Preludes” by Eliot, and my students appreciated that pedagogical aid. We sang together in the faculty choir, and John was always a pillar of strength amid our weak little group of tenors. He was a man of great compassion, integrity, intelligence, and talent. My deepest condolences to Bev and his family.
Doug Miller
January 20, 2026 at 9:44 amI am deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. My sincerest condolences to all of John’s family. Our family has lived with Parkinson’s and honour your loving care of him. He was a good friend and was always fun to be with at the Vanier happy hours and on the picket line. May he rest in peace.
Michael Averill
January 20, 2026 at 10:05 amJohn was a good and attentive friend, always sensitive to shifting moods and humour. Rest in peace, my friend…
Evelyn Wajcer
January 20, 2026 at 11:34 amWe were all fortunate to know John. May your family know no more sorrow.
Lynne Hill
January 20, 2026 at 1:18 pmJohn was such a lovely gentleman. During the over three decades I worked at Vanier College, any chance conversations I happened to have with John, made the day a brighter one. My condolences to his family.
Chris West
January 22, 2026 at 3:58 pmDear Bev and family, I am one of the members of the long-standing reading group that John belonged to. I have missed him terribly since he was no longer able to attend meetings. I can only imagine how it has been for you. What a wonderful man! I always looked forward to John’s learned and insightful commentary in our meetings. He had a singular way of cutting to the quick, sorting the the gems from the dross and helping those of us with more limited literary skills. All with a twinkle in his eye. May he rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.
Zoë
January 23, 2026 at 10:40 amI will cherish the many beautiful holidays spent together, in the coziest, grandest house I had ever known. Sliding down the stairs on my bum. Falling asleep on the couch while waiting for the taxi to arrive. Silly jokes around the table, wearing our Christmas crowns. I loved going to John’s Christmas choir because it gave me a break from studying for exams and it meant the beginning of the Christmas season. Spending time in the backyard with John’s big tomato plants growing. Summertime at Miss Mays…
Uncle John will be greatly missed, we are so lucky to have so many lovely memories of him and our family!
Zoë and family xoxo
Christine Westover
January 24, 2026 at 10:13 amI was very saddened to learn of John’s passing and his struggle with Parkinson’s. I played as his tennis opposite in doubles for many seasons in Westmount Park
until I relocated to Toronto. He was a wonderful player, an even more wonderful fun person and a true gentleman in what became some very competitive matches. My sincere condolences to Bev and his extended family.
Pat Tedford
January 25, 2026 at 3:44 pmDear Bev and family,
Bruce and I are so sorry for your loss; we hope the solace of fond memories and the support of each other and fond friends will sustain you. On this Robbie Burns Day as I write, there is no need for Auld Lang Syne, as John will not “be forgot”. In my retirement, I regularly recall the camaraderie among the A 5 denizens of whom John was so integral a part as well as the larger English department and college on which he left his mark. John was a man of many parts: dedicated teacher and scholar, music aficionado, notorious pun master, department stalwart, supportive unionist, chilli contributor to those great department parties, civil gentleman, and most touching, a man whose love of his wife and family was ever evident.
Frank Runcie
January 25, 2026 at 7:40 pmWhat I recall of John, whom I met marking the Exit Exam, were his smile, aura, and affability. A quick wit, too! He was genuinely pleasant to be around. My condolences to Bev, Devin, and the rest of the family.
Patra Dounoukos Reiser
January 28, 2026 at 1:57 pmDear Bev and family, I am truly sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a true gentleman with a hugely kind heart, especially to the new teachers like myself (back in the day of course). He was hilarious, generous, and always well-prepared with a small 5-7 pre-department meetings. I will miss him. Sending you lots of love.
Fran Ponomarenko
February 21, 2026 at 4:58 pmWhat a delight it was for me to chat with John. His spirit always uplifted. I will never forget you John. May your memory be a blessing. My deepest sympathies Bev.