Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Anthony Preston Obituary
PRESTON, Anthony John Lt. Cmdr RCN (Ret'd) born Beckenham Kent 15th August 1925. Died peacefully, aged 82, April 17th, 2008 at Victoria. Predeceased by wife Ann (2005), parents Major William Forbes Preston and Maude Margaret Preston (Stainforth). Survived by children Christopher (Diane), Felicity (David), Bridget (John), Jeremy (Tiffany), and special grandchildren Jayne (Marc), Megan Zachary, Angelica, Ricky and Conner, loving sister, Elizabeth Parnis (Alfred) Victoria; brother Peter (Kay) Edmonton, and special sister-in-law, Sister Patricia Dickinson SSA; and many nieces nephews, relatives, comrades and friends. His life read like a novel. Joined the ships company of HMS CONWAY at the age of 14, learning the trades of the sea which became his life for the next 50 years. While training as a merchant navy officer he survived German bombing raids on Liverpool harbour in 1941. Joining the Blue Funnel Line his first voyage was to deliver massive land mounted naval guns to Jahorebaru base Malaysia. Enroute his ship SS Glenartney narrowly survived an Atlantic hurricane then became probably the last ship to escape Java before Japanese invasion. On to Tasmania 1942 where ship narrowly missed attack by Japanese submarine. Voyages continued throughout WWII through the Mediterranean, Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans where off Africa in 1943 his ship survived wolfpack attacks by German Uboats. By wars end he was the holder of 4 campaign stars and Burma Star bar. Immigrating to Canada in 1950 he joined the RCNR. He soon met Ann who in 1952 became his wife for the next 53 years. Transferring to the RCN he served on HMC Ships BEACON HILL, HAIDA, JONQUIERE, MICMAC, and ST LAURENT until 1968. Joined Dept. of Fisheries Victoria and became Captain of FPV TANU where there were many more adventures, rescues and hunting foreign fishing vessels until final retirement in 1995. His love of the sea was second only to his devotion to God and his family. Tony had many special affilitiations: Merchant Navy Association, Burma Star Association, HMS Conway, RCN Officers Association, Outward Bound, Mt. St. Mary's Care Home, Monarchist League, AlAnon, and his church family. Special thanks wonderful staff at RP1, RJH and RP3 Victoria Hospice. Funeral mass April 23rd at 1210PM St. Patrick's Church, 2060 Haultain Street. Flowers gratefully declined. Please donate to Tony's special cause: the Dover and District Merchant Navy Memorial Fund which is building a beautiful MN seaman statue looking out to sea and recognizes the crucial contributions of MN to win WW II. To donate please contact 250 381 8208. 461577
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Preston
15 Entries
Clive Prothero-Brooks
August 17, 2008
Sorry to here the Passing of Capt Tony Preston, i had the pleasure many times to meet him and always enjoyed his sense of humour and kindness. I know my Dad and Tony spent many years of friendship and their time together on HMCS St.Laurent. He will be missed.
Jeremy
June 22, 2008
I miss you so much Dad
Bobbie Mauel
May 6, 2008
Knowing that my Uncle Anthony has passed away brings tears to my eyes and a great sadness to my heart. I would like to send my sincerest condolences to my cousins Bridget, Felicity, Christopher and Jeremy. I had the greatest of respect for your Dad - he was a very honourable man - and I could see that he was the rock of your family. We have all lost a well-loved member of the family and I am so glad that I had the chance to see him as often as I did over the past few years. with love from Bobbie
Charlie Warburton
May 1, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Capt. Preston. He was one of the first DFO Vessel Captains that I met in the early 70's. As my role was to repair the electronics systems in service on the Tanu, I was apprehensive as to how a young "radioman' would be recieved by the crew. My concerns were unfounded as Capt. Preston went out of his way to ensure that I was provided the needed access to the electronics systems on board. He also made sure that I was treated with professional courtesy by the crew and I always felt welcome on my many visits to the vessel during my carreer. I must say that was indeed a pleasure to know this kind and caring gentleman.
B. Atagi
April 24, 2008
Capt. Preston was an exceptional gentleman and professional seaman.
It was always a pleasure to be aboard the FPV TANU to work with him and his crew.
My sincere condolences to his family at this time of loss.
Elizabeth Parnis
April 23, 2008
My brother, Anthony was a tease!. There were many a time that I remember stamping off in a rage when I was a child at home. I might say I got no support either from my parents! But soon we were both at boarding school and of course Anthony went to the Conway as a teenager. So we did not really get to know each other till after WW2. But I do remember that of one of his leaves he came home from the Far East with a beautiful carved chest for ME. I still have that chest and it means a great deal to me. However later on when I attended University in Liverpool, I do recall sailing past the Conway on the ferry to Liverpool from Wallesey. It was with pride that I looked at that ship and all the big craft that traveled up and down the Mersey River, including the Blue Funnel merchant vessels, on one of which he may have sailed.
It was not till we were in Canada that I began to get to really know Anthony and even then his stories were always of the more humorous events at sea. He was very private about the serious side of the war. He had a great sense of humour which stayed with him till just a few days before he died.
He was the perfect gentleman; the perfect host, a very good cook and extremely kind and thoughtful. He was a loyal husband to his wife, Anne;and a rock of support if it was needed and I am grateful for that.
He was a man of deep faith but not one to parade it.
To Christopher, Bridget, Felicity and Jeremy, I share your sorrow and urge you to emulate your father; you cant go wrong with that. We shall all miss him very much; his laughter and his love.
With love, Betty
Donald Hunter
April 22, 2008
I first got to know Tony Preston when he sent me a donation towards the Dover & District Merchant Navy Memorial Fund. We soon became friends with a common bond, we had both entered the Merchant Navy at about the same age to commence training as Merchant Navy Officers, later serving in the Merchant Navy in World War Two.
When he visited Kent last year, my wife and I met him and we all had a very enjoyable day together, Tony and I of course 'swinging the lamp'. We will both remember Tony as a friend and a very brave seaman and gentleman - in the true sense of the word.
We both send our very sincere condolences to Bridget and all the family on the sad loss of their father and remember him with pride for his war service and the contribution he and others like him made, serving their Country in time of war, in its fight for the freedom that we enjoy today.
My grateful thanks to his daughter Bridget for maintaining a link and keeping me informed, during her father's last few weeks.
I am proud to have known Tony as a friend - sadly for too short a time.
God rest his soul.
Donald Hunter, Founder & Chairman of the Dover & District Merchant Navy Memorial Fund.
National Vice-President of the Merchant Navy Association.
Terry Tebb
April 21, 2008
Capt Preston was not only one of the finest seamen you could ever meet - he was the finest gentleman you could meet. In my many years of working with DFO and CCG, I have rarely met a finer human being. He had a presence and when he spoke - the crew listened. He rarely had to raise his voice, instead he used his gentle guiding hand. A true coach and gentle leader and to me he was a wonderful friend and mentor.
Mona Bevis
April 21, 2008
It was our pleasure to have met your Dad when he arrived to share a room with Bert on RP1. During my daily visits, he was always very kind with his encouraging words and the gentle touch on my shoulder when he walked by. I know that he said a pray for both Bert and I during the last moments of Bert's life. Apparently, our paths have crossed before,as my son Michael tells me, he played street hockey with John way way back. During our celebration of Life for Bert on Sunday, our family raised our glasses for your Dad. God Bless. Mona
Charles Gadula
April 21, 2008
Captain Preston will remain in the memories of many of his Coast Guard friends. He contributed to making life safer for all those who choose to use our waters. God Bless from the Coast Guard Family.
Bruce Pateson
April 21, 2008
My sincere condolances to the family of Captain Preston. He was a man with a great sense of humor and the fullest respect of his crew.
I'm so glad to have had a chat with Captain Preston and his daughter at Roger Myerscoughs' sevice. A treasured memory for me.
I was on an MED course in 1986 with"Tony",(in the middle of our first aid training.) We were demonstrating tape applications to the leg and the instructor wanted a "hairless leg" , looking towards the only woman on the course. Tony sprang out and laughing he said "here take this leg, and produced a very smooth and very hairless shin. We all had a good laugh. Thanks for the memories "Tony".
Bruce Paterson
CCGS Tanu
Joan Firkins
April 20, 2008
My sincere condolences to Felicity, Chris, Bridget, and the entire family, on the loss of your father.
Mary Katherine Preston McCann
April 20, 2008
Uncle Tony came to visit his brother, Peter, and his wife, Kay, in Alberta, a year and a half ago. I’m so glad to have seen my Uncle Tony, after such a long time, and to enjoy a few conversations by phone. My condolences to the families of my Uncle.
His Niece
Kathy
Elizabeth Russell
April 20, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
douglas wallace
April 20, 2008
IT is hard to put in words at a time like this, i have lost a good friend.will miss his phone calls.to BRIDGET and family my sympathy in your time of sorrow.
DOUGLAS WALLACE. Service off MN
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results