Preston, Bruce Arthur
Suddenly, at home, on Sunday, February 15th, in his 75th year. Bruce was the loving husband of Beverley (Jemmett) for over 51 years. He was a devoted Dad to Steven and his wife Vanessa, as well as Jeffrey and his wife Amanda. He adored being a Grandad to Nicholas and Chloe. He was the dear son of the late Thomas and Doris Preston, brother to Trevor (late Penny) and the late Jeanie (Berkley Jones). He was also a beloved son-in-law of the late Bob and Doris Jemmett, and brother-in-law to the late Nancy. Bruce will be remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews: Tracey (Phil), Jennifer (Holly), Greg, Lindy, David (Jodi), Janet, and their families. His aunt Eunice Pawson in England and many cousins in Canada and England will also miss him dearly.
Bruce was always eager to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors with anything they needed help with-whether it was computer issues or home repairs. After retiring from his job in computers, he started a small handyman business that let him combine his knack for fixing things with his desire to help others. He generously shared his skills with everyone around him while patiently tackling any problem that came up; he even passed these talents down to Steven and Jeff.
His various hobbies showed just how much he enjoyed getting hands-on. A lifelong car enthusiast since childhood, Bruce owned many vehicles over the years while often handling repairs himself. He followed Formula 1 racing since the 1960s and loved keeping up with how technology evolved in cars throughout the years.
Sailing was another passion of Bruce’s; he raced weekly for many years out of the Etobicoke Yacht Club. Together with Bev, they owned a 24-foot sailboat called Song of Joy which allowed them to take family and friends on lovely outings from Midland. After selling their boat, he sought new adventures by chartering sailboats for trips with family and friends in places like North Channel of Georgian Bay or Desolation Sound in British Columbia alongside his good friend Barry. At their family cottage, he kept several small boats which recently allowed him to share this love by taking his grandchildren sailing off Woodland Beach.
An enthusiastic reader, Bruce always had a book nearby-he particularly enjoyed stories about adventurous naval explorers but would read anything related to history or current events too. Conversations with him often revolved around whatever book he’d been reading lately as he loved sharing what he’d learned about our world.
Travel meant so much to both Bruce and Bev; they made wonderful memories during vacations across Canada from coast to coast along with trips abroad in Britain too. Some favorite moments included witnessing icebergs in Newfoundland or enjoying canal boating adventures in England as well as touring through Ireland together.
The essence of Bruce’s life centered around family and friendships-many lasting more than six decades! Welcoming daughters-in-law Vanessa and Amanda into their lives brought joy; spending time together added excitement within family gatherings. Proudly cheering Nicholas on at hockey games while applauding Chloe’s dance performances made him happy too! Socializing on Queens Drive became second nature after calling it home for over 40 years.
Those who loved him will always remember his gentle sense of humor along with how much he appreciated corny puns! The happiest moments were spent at their cottage where he’d work on little projects or simply enjoy nature alongside Bev plus their loved ones-taking dips into Georgian Bay brought pure bliss! Life’s simple pleasures were truly cherished by him-and everyone who knew him will feel this loss deeply.
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
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