John Fitzgerald Preston

John died peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Predeceased by his adored wife, Barbara Ann (Thomson), his parents, Brigadier John Fitzgerald and Margaret Louise Preston (Hemming), and older sister, Nancy Barton, he is survived by his children; Valerie Ann Preston and Joe Cox, John Fitzgerald Preston and Fawn Baron and his beloved grandchildren; Simon and Elizabeth Cox, Liam and Owyn Baron-Preston, and Lily Baker. A proud Canadian, John devoted his life to military service as an officer in the Royal Canadian Engineers with frequent postings across Canada, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. He and Barbara travelled the world with memorable trips to the Middle East, Europe, Australia and the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America. Upon his retirement, they returned to Vancouver Island and Victoria, the city where they felt most at home. In addition to taming 4.5 acres of BC forest, establishing a thriving organic garden, and renewing high school friendships, he was always busy as a volunteer and advisor, offering sage guidance on such disparate topics as home repairs, calculus, taxes, and Caribbean cruises. Service was the guiding principle of his life. He will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren, the Preston, Hemming and Thomson families, especially by Michael and Diana Butler and John Barton whose friendship allowed him to live independently, Doug James, Sue Schroder, Jack Thomson, and Shirley Greene. The family thanks Drs. Ross and Tim McKay, Dr. Wayne Demott and the residents and staff at Carlton House who helped Dad live his final days in the place he called "God's country." At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.