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WILLIAM BURTON PRESTON
Date of Passing: Oct 11, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM BURTON PRESTON Bill was born in Penticton, BC on March 6, 1937 son of Earl and Kathleen Preston. Sadly he passed away at St. Boniface Hospital October 11, 2013 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Willetta; his son David (Jill), their children Jessica and Declan of Calgary; his daughter Kathi (Rob) their children Jordan (Jessica), Steven (Crystal), and Trevor; and daughter Carmen (Dave), their children Shayla and Evan as well as four great-grandchildren Stormii, Konnor, Steven and Kailee; his brother Tom, sisters Marilyn (Fred) and Joanne (Mark); sisters-in-law Gwen (Mike) and Gretta; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues. Bill grew up happily exploring all he could of the flora and fauna nature provided in the Okanagan Valley. After graduating from South Okanagan High School he continued his education at University of British Columbia earning a Bsc and a Msc in Wildlife Management. Between degrees he met and married Willetta after which they moved to Norman, Oklahoma where he completed his PhD in Zoology studying watersnakes. While there they were able to explore many parts of the southern US and holiday in Mexico and St. Lucia. Upon returning to Canada he accepted the position at The Manitoba Museum as Curator of Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes which he filled for 28 years. During that time he enjoyed the opportunity to explore the province and travel further to other countries. He was a man with a wide range of interests as well as much knowledge of the natural world. In addition to his interest in his major field of herpetology he was a passionate amateur entomologist who amassed an extensive insect collection from the time he was a boy. He was interested in astronomy, geology, and electronics and recently built himself a computer as well as being an accomplished photographer. Bill belonged to a number of associations a few of which are the Canadian Entomological Society, Manitoba Entomological Society, Manitoba Naturalists, Winnipeg Amateur Movie Makers, and the Rock and Mineral Society. He served in various capacities within these groups and received a number of awards. He also served on several government committees regarding the snake pits at Narcisse and biodiversity. Bill authored "The Reptiles and Amphibians of Manitoba", co-authored "The Butterflies of Manitoba" and contributed to the Encyclopedia of Manitoba". He contributed to other publications and right up until his death he was working on projects about tiger beetles, ants, the Okanagan Valley and an autobiography for his family. He loved doing fieldwork and was elated to find during these times a toad and an ant, neither of which had before been recorded as present in Manitoba. We were fortunate to be able to travel to many interesting places where he made it a point to learn all about the area. We had hoped to do more traveling after retirement but when his illness prevented that he armchair traveled watching travel films and documentaries, always learning. Bill cared deeply about conservation and biodiversity believing that if man did not take better care of the earth man himself would be unable to survive on the planet. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our GP Dr. M. L. Cummings and the staff of the Renal Programs at St. Boniface and Seven Oaks for the excellent care through the peritoneal dialysis years and more recently the home-hemo unit this past challenging summer. Our thanks also for the care extended not only to Bill but to the family as he was looked after on Unit 2 Fifth Floor, in Dialysis No.1, Emergency, and ICU at Seven Oaks and in ICU at St. Boniface during his last few days. At Bill's request, a private family service was held and a public Celebration of His Life will take place on Monday, November 18 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the St. George's Anglican Church - 168 Wilton St. For additional information or to RSVP please e-mail billscelebrationoflife@mail.com. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to The Nature Conservancy or to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 19, 2013
WILLIAM BURTON PRESTON Peacefully with his family at his side, Bill passed away on October 11, 2013 at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 76. At Bill's request, a private family service was held and a public Celebration of His Life will take place at a later date. Longer notice will follow. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 16, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2013
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I first met Bill at the Manitoba Museum in 1970 and soon came to appreciate his knowledge and enthusiasm as a natural historian and his lovely sense of humour. My condolences go to Willetta and the family. I admire the way Bill soldiered on through the last few years of his life in spite of his health problems. My life is richer for having known him. - Posted by: Barbara Fisher (friend) on: Nov 15, 2013
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I was saddened to learn of the passing of my old friend Bill Preston, and I offer my condolences to his many family members. I first met Bill when we both arrived at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature in 1970, to begin our professional careers as curators in natural history. Bill was so enthusiastic about his reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, tiger beetles and ants, that I could never walk past his office without being invited in to hear about some new discovery he had made. His collections and publications leave a lasting legacy of his love for wildlife and its conservation. Bill never lost his 'little boy' excitement about being in the field and for learning. Facing debilitating health problems in later years, he maintained his cheerful nature and ability to carry on, due in no small part to Willetta's nursing knowledge and monumental care. I and his many colleagues will miss his sage advice on natural-history subjects, and his sense of humour. He was truly a pioneer in the study of Manitoba's diversity of life. - Posted by: Robert Wrigley (Friend and Manitoba Museum colleague) on: Oct 31, 2013
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Dear Wiletta & family, my condolences go out to you and your family at this time. May you be comforted by the love of family & friends, supporting you at this time of loss. May you have strength & courage to go on. - Posted by: Amanda Loewen (Met Wiletta & Bill at quilting retreats in Morden) (acquaintance) on: Oct 24, 2013
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Bill has left a valuable legacy for Manitoban naturalists through his contributions to The Manitoba Museum research collections and exhibits, understanding of provincial biodiversity, and his pioneering publications on herps and insects. And much beyond that, Bill was always helpful and supportive, characteristics I very much appreciated settling in as a new member of the Manitoba naturalist scene. We will miss him. - Posted by: Dr. Randy Mooi (Colleague, The Manitoba Museum) on: Oct 21, 2013
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Willeta and family: our thoughts are with you at this time. On every visit with Bill around the province over the years, we learned something new as did the many other people on his "critter walks and talks": he tirelessly shared his tremendous knowledge of all creatures great and especially small. We'll all miss him. - Posted by: Dean Berezanski (Colleague) on: Oct 20, 2013
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Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at the Manitoba Museum of Man & Nature in the 1970s. Some very pleasant memories of field trips with him. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Cornell Wynnobel (Friend and co-worker) on: Oct 19, 2013
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No one can ever replace Bill's great knowledge of the small creatures in the world around him. We have enjoyed field experiences with him and will miss being able to get advice from him about the natural world. We would like to send condolences to Willetta and the family. - Posted by: Judy and Barry Danard (Friends) on: Oct 18, 2013
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I was saddened to hear about Bill's passing. He was a good friend and a dedicated champion of Manitoba's biological diversity during his professional career in our province, and this continued throughout his retirement. Ever generous with his time and expertise, Bill was instrumental in the conservation assessment of hundreds of Manitoba's 40,000 wildlife species. - Posted by: Dr. James Duncan (Colleague) on: Oct 18, 2013
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I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Although I did not work directly with Bill I did get to know him over coffee, O.F.C. luncheons, other museum functions and mutual interests. He was always upbeat and friendly to talk to with a quiet sense of humour. He will be missed. - Posted by: Ed Barker (Former Colleague) on: Oct 18, 2013
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I am saddened by Bill's passing and will always remember his humour and positive outlook, as well as his extensive expertise. Please know we share in your sorrow. - Posted by: George Wurtak (former colleague) on: Oct 18, 2013
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Please accept our condolences on behalf of the Dept. of Entomology. Bill was a valued contributor to our entomological community and he will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Rob Currie (Colleague) on: Oct 18, 2013
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Carmen and family, We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather/husband. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time. If you need anything please call. - Posted by: Paul and Jocelynne McAvoy () on: Oct 17, 2013
