Bart Martin Preston

Bart Preston, known affectionately as Bart to his friends and family, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 4, 2024, in Conklin, Michigan, at the age of 63. Born on August 16, 1960, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was a beloved member of the community and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bart was the cherished son of the late Mary Berends and Richard Preston, and the stepson of the late James Berends. He grew up in a home filled with love and laughter, which shaped him into the joyous and faith-filled man that so many came to adore. Throughout his life, Bart's creative spirit and funny disposition were a beacon of light for those around him.
A proud graduate of Sparta High School, Bart went on to forge a successful career as an engineer and salesman in the dock leveling industry. His expertise and dedication to his profession were matched only by his willingness to lend a helping hand or share a clever joke with his colleagues. Bart's work ethic and innovative mindset left an indelible mark on the industry.
In his personal life, Bart was known for his love of music and animals, a testament to his gentle and artistic soul. His fingers danced across piano keys as gracefully as he navigated through life, composing melodies that reflected his own harmonious nature. Bart was also renowned for his fantastic sense of humor, which brightened the lives of those he encountered.
Bart is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Courtney "Jo" Morris, and son-in-law, Darrel Morris, as well as his three grandsons who loved him dearly. He will also be missed by his siblings, Rob and Kay Preston, Del and Terri Preston, and Kyle Preston, who all cherished the good times they shared with their brother.
The words that best encapsulate Bart are creative, faith-filled, and humorous. These attributes were the cornerstones of his existence and guided him in every aspect of his life.
Bart's unwavering faith was a source of comfort and strength to him and served as an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know him. His spirit and legacy will survive in the stories told, the music played, and the laughter shared in his honor.
Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the memory of Bart Preston will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His was a life well-lived, filled with joy, creativity, and an abundance of humor. Bart's lasting impact will be felt for generations to come, as his spirit remains an indelible part of the tapestry of our lives