Richard Preston

Richard A. Preston had overcome a difficult childhood to become a hardworking man. Richard was stalwart and a caring man, a father who never compromised his family or faith. He spent his life balancing hard work with the role of a loving father, and succeeded in bringing the best for this family. Richard A. Preston was born February 24, 1910, in Kansas City, Missouri to Arthur and Frances (Burrows) Preston. Richard's father was employed by the paper industry (paper manufacturing) and had to travel extensively around the Midwest. At the young age of 4, the Preston family moved to International Falls, Minnesota because of his father's work. Richard often remembered how very cold the winters were and that the sidewalks in town were covered with wooden planks in the winter because of the ice, snow and mud. It was also in International Falls that Richard became big brother to little Ruth. Richard's childhood would take on difficult times at the young age of 12 when his mother passed away. The Preston family relocated because of his father's work, this time to Chicago, Illinois. Here his father took a job at Sears and Roebuck working the paper end of producing the company catalog. As a young teenager, Richard's father remarried. Once again his young life would be altered when his father was diagnosed with cancer and died when Richard was only 16. Richard wanted to make something of his life and with his fascination for electricity he wanted to put it to good use by attending Gordon Tech, a trade high school in Chicago. He did not graduate, but instead decided to start out on his own and left Chicago for Kalamazoo, Michigan. He quickly found work as a laborer at the Kalamazoo Stove Co. He lived with some relatives, Ernest and Kate Boyle, who included him in their family. Richard was not a stranger to this area, many times as a youngster his parents and the Boyle family would vacation at a cottage on Long Lake near Vicksburg. Soon Richard and a friend were wiring up farmhouses for electricity for local rural farmers. This was the start of his electrical career that would last a lifetime. In 1929, Richard had a chance encounter at the Kalamazoo Library with Jessie Johnson, the librarian. They became sweethearts and dated for 10 years. On a warm July 1, 1939, Richard and Jessie were married at St. Augustine Church in Kalamazoo. The young newlyweds had a whole new life to plan out. They decided to move to Dearborn, Michigan during WWII so Richard could work on the plant construction of Willow Run and would return to Kalamazoo after the war. Trying to pinch some pennies, they lived with Jessie's mother, Amelia Johnson, on West Cedar Street until her death. They decided to purchase the house and make it their home. Here they would lovingly raise their only son, Thomas. Other than for his son, Richard also had a soft spot in his heart for Springer Spaniel dogs, so much so he had 4 and every one of them was named Pepper. In the 1950s, Richard started taking his family to Clearwater, Florida for vacation. They rented a motel and did nothing but have quality family fun. Richard was a very hard worker sometimes even a workaholic and was very much a perfectionist when it came to his work and work ethics. He rose early with the roosters and didn't return home until late. He was known to be hard as nails, some even felt intimidated by him and demanding at times, but they always showed him respect and admired him for his quality of work. He was extremely good when it came to anything electrical. When he was an electrical inspector in the commercial division of the City of Kalamazoo, he insisted that contractors do their job correct or they would have to tear it out and redo it until it was right. He earned the nickname "Sarge" (which was short for Sgt. Preston of the Yukon) because of his toughness and was made a special hard hat with Sgt. stripes and lightening bolts by his electricians. Richard was also the co-founder of Battle Creek Motor Shop Electrical Construction Co. Unfortunately because of difference of opinions with his partner, he left the company. He continued doing what he loved in many different jobs. He was project coordinator for WMU in the construction department, an electrical consultant for Guido Binda Architects and Engineers as well as the MDOT for the State of Michigan. Richard was not all work He also enjoyed his membership with the Knights of Columbus #1616 for 59 years in the 3rd and 4th degrees. He was also a member of the Kalamazoo Elks Lodge #50, the Michigan Engineering Society and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 131 for 66 years. He was a former member of the Alhambra. After his retirement, Richard and Jessie looked forward to many visits with their son, Tom, who lived in Laguna Hills, California. Some other trips they enjoyed were to Las Vegas and the northern Michigan casinos where they took a chance on winning the million, but especially enjoyed craps. They also broadened their horizons by traveling overseas to Europe, the Middle East and Far East. They loved Portugal & Spain so much that they returned 4 times. Richard's wife, Jessie, took ill and died June 5, 1995. Lately Richard's health had been failing and was cared for by his son and Borgess Visiting Nurse Hospice. He died peacefully in his home on November 19, 2003. He was a member of St. Augustine Cathedral. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie, in 1995 and his sister, Ruth Hiatt, in 1996. Surviving is his son, Thomas Preston, of Kalamazoo and his step-sister, Evelyn Lamons, of Kalamazoo. Friends may spend time with the family on Sunday, November 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES, Stadium Drive, West of US-131, 375-2900, where a scripture service will be held on Sunday evening at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24 at 10 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral. Interment to be at Mt. Everest Cemetery. To read Richard's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com. All who knew Richard A. Preston will treasure his memory.