In Ottawa, in his 80th year, of complications from a stroke following surgery. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, athlete, adventurer, diplomat, enthusiastic amateur cellist & Italian student. Beloved son of the late Richard & Marjorie Preston of Durham, NC & Kingston, ON. Much loved brother of Peter (Pam) & predeceased by his dear sister Carol. His wife Kate, children VK & Nico (Amy) & grandson Ryven deeply mourn the passing of this brave, good, & kind man. Our family enjoyed accompanying David on his Foreign Service postings to Indonesia, Ghana, Australia, Bangladesh (Canadian High Commissioner) & Poland (Canadian Ambassador). We thank the staff of The Edinburgh for their loving care, The Ottawa Hospital, our wonderful family physician Dr Chopra, the therapists & the health workers who supported David so well. A private interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held on Saturday May 27th in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa ON at 3:00p.m. followed by a reception.
Donations in David's memory may be made to OrKidstra or Heart & Stroke.
Digital Guestbook
tove essoudry
Carol Godsmark
From childhood through the decades, David was a wonderful, cheerful, curious, constant student, searching friend who we Reynolds all mourn deeply.
Loved by many and cared for latterly with exceptional steadfastness and love by Kate and family. Preston magic continues with VK, Nico, Amy and Ryven.
Donald Bobiash
I had the opportunity of working with David for many years in the Foreign Service. He was a friend and mentor and provided guidance and leadership to a generation of foreign service officers. His personal kindness and compassion has touched the lives of many, and he will be remembered with fondness by many.
andrew W
David P was a wonderful man, always accepting, and calm making everyone around him accepting and calm too.
Rick and Edwina Kohler
Dear Kate, Edwina joins me in expressing our deep sadness to learn of David's death. He was in every respect a true mensch - excelling as an outstanding human being and constantly at the top of his game as he pursued his diplomatic profession with such accomplishment. Our thoughts are with you and extended Preston family. Wishing you courage going forward. Rick and Edwina
Jon Allen and Clara Hirsch
Kate: so very sorry to receive this devastating news. We send you our sincerest condolences at this difficult time. Please call when you are next in Toronto.
Jon and Claral
Patricia Marsden-Dole
Dear Kate and family, I am so sorry for this great loss in your lives. I think of David as the happy, energetic marathoner engaging with enthusiasm in his life journey with you. You stood by him with strength and gave him strength through these last difficult years of his life. RIP my friend and colleague.
Robin Higham
Who didn't love and admire David? A model for all his foreign service colleagues, of professional integrity.
Laurette Glasgow
Ross joins me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the death of a gentle, kind, and thoughtful colleague and friend. May he rest in peace and may you be comforted in the days, weeks, and years to come by the memory of a man who loved you.
John and Linda Noble
Our sincere condolences to Kate and the family. David was a colleague for many years and I remember the contribution he made to the development of a process to evaluate Canadian aid contributions to human rights performance after PM Mulroney made the announcement nd CIDA officials were saying it couldn't be done. A great Public Servant who served his country with distinction.
I am sorry to hear of Davids passing I met David in Jan Jarvlepps group and we played also in the More the Marrier group in Hull plus a day camp I am a very senior player as David was Tove Essoudry