We sadly announce the death – and feel deep gratitude for the life – of Grant Alan Preston who died on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital at the age of 93. Missed by his children Paul (Viola), Vauxhall, AB; Ruth (Harold Schilk), Lethbridge, AB; Scott (Linda), Guelph; and daughter-in-law Marilyn, Rosemary, AB, Grant is survived by 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter as well as by sisters-in-law Pauline Brown of Mount Forest and Maxine Scott of Owen Sound, and numerous nieces and nephews. Grant is predeceased by his dear wife, Edith (nee Scott) of 62 years, son Fred, infant grandsons Thomas and Robbie, siblings and their spouses Jean (Ed) Yoshioka, Dave (Nancy) Preston, and Liz (Jack) Schweitzer, parents Jeff and Grace (nee Adams) Preston, siblings-in-law Ken Brown, Reta and Lyle Rawn, Bob Scott, and parents-in-law Bert and Mabel (nee Clarke) Scott. Born in Chatham, ON, Grant completed highschool in Hamilton and went on to study at Ontario Agricultural College (now part of the University of Guelph). Upon graduation in 1952 with a BScAgr, he was employed as Assistant Agr. Rep. in Frontenac, Leeds, and Brant Counties before buying a farm in the Salem District of Proton Township (now Southgate) in 1955. Over the years, Grant and Edith eventually moved from mixed farming to specializing in purebred Suffolk sheep. Grant supported the wider community through the likes of the Dundalk District Fall Fair, 4H Clubs, Proton Township Council, Western Ontario Lamb Producers, Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers, and as an active member of Salem, Hopeville, and then Dundalk United Churches. Retiring to Dundalk opened the door to the joys of lawn bowling, square dancing, and of course more singing. In 2018 Grant and Edith moved to Birmingham Retirement Community in Mount Forest where he continued to live after Edith’s death until 2020 when he moved into Saint Luke’s Place in Cambridge. There, he happily thrived, even while declining with dementia and physical limitations. His refrain of “Life’s been good to me” was a part of nearly every weekly Skype call with him these last three years. Visitation was held at McMillan & Jack Funeral Home, Dundalk on Wednesday, November 29 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. The Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 11:00am at Dundalk United Church with Pastor Don Hume officiating. Following the Service, a Reception will be held in the church basement and then interment at the Salem United Church Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to Dundalk United Church, Salem United Church, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be placed at www.mcmillanandjackfuneralhome.com
