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Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Preston Ribnick Obituary

Preston G. Ribnick "PR", 66, of South Wellfleet, MA passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 5th. He was surrounded by his family and enveloped in love. Preston was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1946 in Wichita Falls, Texas to proud parents Frank and Claire Ribnick. Preston graduated from high school in 1964. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Houston and his master's degree at Tulane University, in New Orleans. Preston daily gave thanks to what he considered his greatest achievements in life which are his two magnificent sons, Benjamin and Dov. He was so proud they have become such fine young men who have followed their own unique paths to happiness and personal success. He felt extremely fortunate to maintain an almost daily communication with each since they live so far away. Preston and Lilli tried to support each son and even traveled to the ends of the earth to do so when possible. Conversely so, both sons consider their father a legend, rightly so. In 1994 he married the love of his life, Lilli-Ann Green, in Chatham, Cape Cod. This has been a true partnership and high adventure on every level of human love, friendship, leisure, mutual respect and business. The bonds could not be deeper. In 1979 Preston followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded Professional Resources Group (PRG). PRG became a nation-wide health care information and consulting firm dedicated to improving patient care. A prominent Medical Director and Chief Quality Officer of a large multi-specialty medical group that Preston worked with for many years stated that "this is a great loss for the family and for the entire country!! [Preston] was a wonderful part of building a culture of patient courtesy and I will always remember the brilliance that he brought to that effort. Not the least of this was the way he used humor to lighten his teachings." He further said that "you cannot say more for any man than that he made such a difference in people's lives that one meeting left a life-long positive impression. Preston Ribnick was such a man. His wisdom, kindness, humor, and love of teaching were instrumental in the change that has come to healthcare in the last 20 years, elevating patient satisfaction, patient courtesy, and the entire patient experience to one of our highest goals." Preston was proud to live the unique and wonderful community of Wellfleet. He was extremely grateful for the protection of the Cape's fragile environment through the Cape Cod National Seashore. His love of democracy led to continuous advocacy work since 2010 focused on protecting the health safety and well-being of the people living on Cape Cod, in our Commonwealth and around the world. Preston and his wife loved to travel and spent an extraordinary life together exploring foreign destinations around the world. Another great joy was traveling to "The Homeland" to see his beloved family and friends all across the great state of Texas. Preston also immensely enjoyed visiting family and friends wherever they lived or met with us. Preston is survived by his wife Lilli-Ann Green; his sons Ben Ribnick of Carlsbad, California; and Dov Ribnick of Sydney, Australia, and brothers Alan Ribnick of California and Keith Ribnick of Texas as well as a large and loving family. Charitable donations may be made to Fidelity Charitable, a charity at which a fund has been established to collect contributions in memory of Preston Ribnick. Please reference 'The Preston Ribnick Memorial Fund' in the memo field of your check." Checks may be made payable to Fidelity Charitable and may be sent to: Fidelity Charitable, P.O Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH 45277-0053. A memorial celebration of Preston's life will be held at the Wellfleet Preservation Hall, on Main Street in Wellfleet on Monday, May 13th at 11:30 AM. The doors will open for contemplation at 10:00 AM. Rabbi Deanna Douglas will officiate. Marge Piercy has graciously offered to read her poem dear to the family. Denya LeVine has kindly offered her gift of song. Preston was honored to be veteran of the United Stated Army. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com

Published by The Cape Codder from May 13 to May 20, 2013.
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Lilli, Ben and Dove: Please accept my condolences on the loss of your wonderful husband and father. I first met Preston in 1972 in Washington, D.C. and have treasured his friendship ever since. Please know that he and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Bent, Honolulu, Hawaii

June 18, 2013

I am very sorry to hear of Preston's passing. He is a great loss to his wife and family and to the campaign against the menace of industrial wind turbines. He
stood up for his beliefs. I met him and Lilly in Dublin and found him to be a true gentleman.

Val Martin, Irish Spokesperson European Platform Against Wind Farming

Val Martin

May 30, 2013

Benjamin Ribnick

May 24, 2013

Preston and I (and Paul Shivery) went through Officer Candidate School together in 1970, at, as you know, Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Preston was always one of the singular members of our platoon: outspoken, articulate, and excellent company. I greatly enjoyed being his classmate and his friend.

In recent years we've traded a emails and had a few phone conversations with the aim of getting together sometime. We always had a reason to defer a reunion until a later, more convenient time and now, of course, it is terribly too late. Missing a chance to see Preston again is always going to be one of the bitter regrets of my life particularly because with age I should have learned my lesson.

I'm so sorry for your loss. The other entries in the guest book are heartening in their sincerity and impressive in their worldwide scope. It seems clear that Preston made his time count for something and I hope you can take comfort from that.

Martin Smith

May 24, 2013

We remember with great warmth Lilli and Preston's visit to our site in Dunfermline Fife. Preston was a real Gentleman and so dedicated to his work on the impact of health issues caused by wind turbines. Lilli please do accept my sincere condolences.

John Kilgour

May 21, 2013

Dearest Lilli,
grateful for the short time we spent together in 2012 here in Northern Germany, when we could welcome you in our home, as friends and allies in the fight against the tyranny of wind turbines. Three days in March, when we were close to each other, talking, laughing, fighting the same fight.
It was a great pleasure to see you both with so much love for each other. Since then, we think a lot about you both, and were sure, that we all would meet again one day.
Preston's wisdom, understanding, humor and compassion were unique. We are proud that he accepted us as friends.
What a loss for all, who knew him and especially for you, dear Lilly.
Whenever you need ears to listen, eyes to see, a bed to rest and a break - we have all this for you.
We will miss Preston so very much, and are so incredibly sorry about your loss.
Our thoughts are with you, dear Lilli and with the whole family.

Jutta and Marco, Neuendorf-Sachsenbande, Germany

On behalf of all our anti turbine fellows in Germany and our EPAW members, to whom your tireless work, your documentations and the Windwise-radio, brought help and support.

Jutta Reichardt

May 17, 2013

Lilli, Ben and Dov, our love and prayers are with you as you cope with Preston's passing. He was a wonderful man and brother and he loved you very much. I cannot believe he is gone. I like to believe we will be with him again some day. Always know that Dave and I are with you in spirit and here if you need us.

Keith and Dave Ribnick

May 17, 2013

Dear Lilli,

We wish you a lot of Love and Light for you and your family.
You're in our prayers
Janet Holtkamp and Bernhard Nessensohn, Nieuw-Buinen, Netherlands

May 17, 2013

Dearest Ben, Dov, and Lilli,
Even as a Ribnick with a knack for words, there are simply no words to express the depth of your loss and ours with Preston gone. He was always my "brother from another mother", there in good times and bad, my forever constant with love, advice, as well as loving-teasing. I so looked forward to his phone calls, where we would catch up on our lives and share so much....I was so glad that Mom, Greg, Deb, Keith and I were able to come to Wellfleet to share in the memorial celebration. While the light that he brought to all of us may have gone, each time we remember him, a spark is re-kindled.....so my blessing is that the spark of Preston never goes out....and that it will shine for eternity in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.....and even those who didn't. Love you all so much....
Amelia, Eric, Brett, and Jacks

Amelia Ribnick Kleiman

May 15, 2013

Dear friend,
We cannot begin to imagine your sorrow Lilli. We were so sorry to hear of your loss of your "Biker boy". We will always recall a wonderful time with you both enjoying life the way we are ment to.You are in our thoughts. Jill and Murray

Jill & Murray Martin

May 15, 2013

Dearest Lilli,

Take my hand and listen closely.

Calvin Luther Martin

May 14, 2013

It is with a heavy heart that I add my voice to the hundreds of others who mourn the passing of a great man: Preston Ribnick. His vitality for life, his dedication to the well-being of others and his tireless energy and enthusiasm have been an inspiration to us all. May his passing not be in vein but spur us on to continue his work and his memory. With much love, Bruce Rapley, New Zealand.

Bruce Rapley

May 14, 2013

Dear Lilli,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Of all the people I have met through Bruce, you and Preston were a delight. With all our love from here in New Zealand.

Rachel Summers

May 14, 2013

Huub Bakker

May 14, 2013

So caring and attentive to others, so heartily involved in activities to improve the well-being of all, Preston knew how to deal with serious matters with his own light touch. When we think of Preston and of his relationship with Lilli, it seems to us he was just in his rightful place in the world.
With all our love, dear Lilli, from all the friends from France you and Preston met in March 2012.

Joëlle, Hubert and friends from France

May 14, 2013

Dear Lilli, Ben and Dov~~~

After reading all these beautiful, heartfelt and perfect descriptions of Preston we would only add that sometimes a person's spirit is so strong that it never really leaves the earth but remains scattered forever amongst those who love him. This is the essence of Preston and I have so much gratitude that our paths intertwined over the years. His life is a shining example of what a life well lived looks like. Rest in peace dear friend.

Betsann and Dale Copeland

May 14, 2013

Mrs. Ribnick - Preston was very dear to us at Community Medical Providers (Fresno, California). We delighted in his teaching and visiting with him. I was picked to do a skit with him once in which I "thought" I could outwit him. I was humbly mistaken and had a wonderful laugh over it! Thank you for sharing your sweet hubby with us. May God rest his soul and give you peace and assurance that Preston is in HIS wonderful, loving presence.
With love,
Rhonda Malewski
Community Medical Providers / Pediatric Department

May 13, 2013

Ben, Dov, and Lilli,

PR was a very special man. He had one of the best and most unique personalities I have ever come across. Whenever I saw him, he always managed to make me smile and get a few laughs out of me. I will miss his trips to Southern California, his hospitality in Wellfleet, and joking around with him on speaker phone while driving around in Ben's car. He was a great man and I truly miss him. My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to you all during this time. I will always remember PR and love you guys!

Gary Patten

May 13, 2013

My wife, Cynthia and I, were discussing the importance of knowing Preston. We concurred that Preston embodied decency, love and enthusiasm. That decency reaffirmed that life is special and precious and that one could succeed without acrimony. Preston's consideration for others was a rule, not an exception. Preston never wore his .love for family and the special bond that arises out of all family, as a duty - rather it was a welcome privilege. Enthusiasm of life and all those around him was easily seen in that easy sense of humor that was never biting, but laugh out loud funny and so inclusive-everyone was drawn in to that wonderful community that is Preston Ribnick. Preston, we'll miss you and cherish the knowledge that we could be friends for the last twenty-five years.

We share your loss Lilli, Ben and Dov and we are here for you.

Cynthia & Bill Chabb

May 13, 2013

I have been reading the warm comments about my brother Pres, and trying to reconcile my memories of a skinny- funny kid, w all of the thoughts of others. I think Pres was my Uncle Lenny- their personalities made both of them the family favorites. Pres and I shared a room w twin bookcase beds for 15 years- we fought constantly- those green beds would collapse ever time we wrestled. There are so many good memories- but what I will miss the most are the phone calls,and the hrs long political arguments. It made my day when he and Lilli emerged as pioneering anti wind activists. I will miss you Pres- your smile - and warmth. Your nieces- Kelly and Leah- will never forget the trip to London and Paris. Ben and Dov- you are wonderful young men and a tribute to your father. Lilli- thank you for giving him so many happy years.

Alan Ribnick

May 13, 2013

Preston was truly a wonderful loving man that had a gift that made you feel special each and every time you spoke with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Mark and Heather Finn

May 13, 2013

Dear Lilli,

We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Preston. It must be painfully difficult for you. Please know that we are thinking of you and will pray that your grief will ease with each new day and you can go an as Preston would want you to. He had such a zest for life and was so positive. He would want that for you as you move forward.
With deepest sympathy,
Brian and Kathy Elder

Kathy Elder

May 13, 2013

Hey guys,
Thinking of you all today, Preston was very special to me. Wish I could be there with you, God bless you all ...

Kevin Ribnick-Duke

May 13, 2013

Dear Lilli,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sean & Doreen Reilly

May 13, 2013

Preston sent me an e-mail on April 2, and it was the first contact that we had since graduating together from Wichita Falls High School in 1964. We traded several e-mails in order to catch up on our lives. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to renew our friendship. He was a great guy and I was looking forward to sharing our friendship again.

My deepest condolences go out to his family.

Milton Powell

May 12, 2013

The world is a lesser place today. For me, PR's presence was strongest when times were hard; those times when true character is measured.

Dave Pike

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli,
I was so saddened to hear about Preston's passing. He was such a unique man, it was a pleasure to know him. He always went out of his way to greet me and make me feel important by talking to me. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Diana Pamplin

May 12, 2013

The thing about PR was that he had a great soul, a huge spirit, and a love of life. His light shines on...and for those of us who love and cherish his memory, he will live forever. Ben, Dov, and Lilli, you are in my thoughts, today and always.

Pat Finn

May 12, 2013

Dearest Lilli, I cannot imagine your sorrow. I am so thankful that you have so many wonderful memories of the times you two shared together, and I hope those memories will help you as you grieve. Even though it does not compare to the loss you are feeling, I also experienced the loss, the loss of a very dear friend. You know how much John and I enjoyed being with the two of you. In fact, John had said that for his 70th birthday, he wanted to cash in a bucket list request. That request was to take a trip with you and Preston. John said he did not care where the destination was, only that the trip was with the two of you. I, of course, agreed. I appreciated and enjoyed Preston's friendship and sense of humor very much in high school. I am so glad that we connected back in the late 90's. He had, and still has, a very special place in my heart. John and I love you both, and we will miss our dear friend Preston. You two were a special couple.

Judy R Daniel

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli-- We were so completely devastated to hear about Preston and the ordeal you have gone through. We will be forever grateful that he and you were able to come to our wedding and share one of the happiest days of our lives. Both he and you are a blessing to the lives of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you across the miles.

Tim & Susan Foley

May 12, 2013

Ben & Dov: So so sorry for your great loss; PR was a very special Dad. I am thinking of you both with love & prayers.
Stephanie (Betsy & Kayte's Mom) Curtis Gill

Stephanie Curtis-Gill

May 12, 2013

We are so sad.

Sandy Frank

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli, Even tho we didn't see Preston that often he was a presence in our lives. I'm so happy that I got to talk to him a short while ago and was anticipating a visit from you both in the near future. He was gentle and kind
and he will be greatly missed and a loss in our lives. Shirley and Harold Podolsky (Palm Desert, Ca.)

Shirley Podolsky

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli,

I was so sorry to hear of Preston's passing. My thoughts and prayers to you and Preston at this time. The world has become a better place because of Preston.

Lydia Manter

May 12, 2013

Dearest Lilli,
When we heard of Preston's passing our hearts were broken for you and his sons. We were so happy for you when Preston came into your life and we shall never forget the beautiful wedding you and Preston had. A special memory for us will always be the time the four of us were together at the Cape. Never forget how much I love you and truly care. We send our deepest sympathy. Love, Diane Green & Freddy Aponte.

Diane Green & Freddy Aponte

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli - I am so very sorry about the passing of Preston. His life was well lived. May the memory of Preston and the life you lived together always be a blessing for you.

Bruce Mandel

May 12, 2013

Dear Lilli,

I only met you once but followed your escapades weekly through WindWise Massachusetts. Your support along with that of others helped save Ylkun Ridge and Lenox Mountain in Lenox MA. If Preston were as spirited, committed, and dynamic as you, he was a real change agent. I am so sorry about your loss.

Best

Jo Anne Magee

Jo Anne Magee

May 12, 2013

It is difficult to describe how much Preston will be missed. He was a caring and loving presence in our lives and the lives of our children for over forty years. We are grateful for the blessing of so many wonderful memories of Preston. We pray for the strength and courage of Lilli, Ben and Dov, and so many other family members and friends who will miss Preston beyond words. In the stars we will always see the twinkle in his eyes, in the sun the warmth of his heart, and in the moon the coolness of his wonderful humor and approach to life. He will always be with us and continue to influence us in so many ways. With love, Barbara and Arnold Saltzman

Barbara Saltzman

May 12, 2013

Dearest Lilli, Ben and Dov, I loved Preston so much and can not imagine a world without his wit, wisdom and fire. We are so sorry to hear he is gone from us. He was a well loved man.

Joanne Judt

May 11, 2013

I met Preston in the late 70's. He was in charge of Public Relations for East Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Metairie Louisiana. I was selling display advertising for a local newspaper. I called on his account at least twice a week. Preston liked my persistence and offered me a job when he first started his own firm. And while I never managed to sell Preston an ad I did manage to sell myself to his administrative assistant Lori whom I was lucky enough to marry. We moved from Louisiana in 1981 and after quite a few stops have settled in Sandwich MA. We both remember Preston as a gentleman who treated friends and collegues as family. He was a good guy. Tom and Lori Sheridan

tom sheridan

May 11, 2013

Dearest Lilli,

We were so saddened to hear of Preston's passing. He was a wonderful leader, mentor, teacher and advocate for improved quality of the patient experience in healthcare. His contributions are incredible and lasting and his infectious humor will be missed. You and Preston have been a loving and inspirational couple and we feel tremendously fortunate to have met you and worked with Preston. Please accept our sincere condolescences and hugs.

Mike and Patsy Nelson

May 11, 2013

Preston is a personal hero of mine. I met him during our fight against the insidious & destructive Wind Turbine Industry. His sense of humor kept us sane while we fought the greed of the WT Industry and the foolish choices of our local officials. He was clever, quick witted, with a gentle nature; but he had a will & determination that was strong as iron. Everyone who met Preston loved him, & our lives will be less bright & hopeful without him. I offer my sincere & profound condolences to Lilli & the rest of Preston's loving family.

Linda Salamon

May 11, 2013

Deepest sympathy to Preston's family from a 1964 classmate at Wichita Falls High School. He is leaving behind some wonderful memories.

Leah Van Driest

May 11, 2013

Lilli, Ben, and Dov,

I loved PR like a brother, and his wit, wisdom and spirit will be greatly missed. He is looking down on all of us and smiling.

Greg Ribnick

May 11, 2013

Sincere sympathy to you and your family in the lost of Preston.. I was on the planning committee for our 50th Reunion. His imput will be greatly missed by each of his classmates. May God comfort his loved ones during the difficult days ahead.....
Patricia Apple Anderson, Class of 1964, El Dorado, AR.

May 11, 2013

Lilli,
Sending our condolances and love to the most wonderful people. I loved Preston like a brother I never had. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Love,
Larry and Marianne Hinson

Larry Hinson

May 11, 2013

We are so honored to have known Preston and called him friend, if only for a short time.
His courage, compassion, hospitality, and sense of humor will always be an inspiration to us.

Jim and Pat Rogers

May 11, 2013

My heart goes out to you, Lilli. Preston was one of the finest men I've ever known. I'll always remember his gentle spirit and wonderful humor. It was my privilege to know him...Sheila

Sheila K. Bowen

May 11, 2013

My deepest sympathy Lilli-Ann, in the loss of your dear husband, Preston. He was a beautiful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Linda Stevens

May 11, 2013

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

May 10, 2013

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