John T.H. Preston, 72, of Hopkins passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at his home. Mr. Preston was born on Oct. 1, 1943, in Birmingham, England, the son of the late Harry and Jean (Fillery) Preston.
John came to the United States from England, found the love of his life, Susie, and they married on Dec. 26, 1966, at the United Methodist Church in Allegan, celebrating almost 50 years together.
Together they had a son, Tom, and thoroughly enjoyed being a family and making wonderful memories through the years.
John spent more than 12 years as a dairy farmer. He went on to become a mechanical engineer, which led to his job as a field service engineer, working for SCM Group out of Italy for more than 30 years.
Spare time was spent gardening, taking pictures or watching old western movies on TV. He also had a knack for fixing anything that needed fixing.
Diagnosed with aggressive cancer 2 1/2 years ago, John maintained a very positive, go-for-it attitude, continued to love life, his family and worked right up to the end. He was an inspiration to many.
John is survived by his loving wife Susie; their son, Tom and Pam Preston; six grandchildren, Thomas and Kayla, Zachery and Anthony, Cassandra, Sabrina, Corey, and Fallon; and three great-grandchildren, Shelbie, Dailynn, and Braeden. He was preceded in death by one brother Bobbie; one sister Ann; and one great-grandson Jaxon.
Friends may meet with the family for a Celebration of Life gathering on Wednesday, July 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to West Michigan Cancer Society, 200 North Park St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (www.wmcc.org). Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.
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