Naturalist.
Born at Penticton, British Columbia on 6 March 1937, son of Earl and Kathleen Preston, he was educated at the South Okanagan High School, University of British Columbia (BSc, MSc), and University of Oklahoma (PhD).
On returning to Canada in 1970, he was hired as Curator of Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fishes at the Manitoba Museum, holding the position for 28 years. He wrote The Reptiles and Amphibians of Manitoba (1982), co-wrote The Butterflies of Manitoba (1989), and contributed to The Encyclopedia of Manitoba (2007). He was a member of the Canadian Entomological Society, Manitoba Entomological Society, Manitoba Naturalists Society (President, 1974-1975), Winnipeg Amateur Movie Makers, and Rock and Mineral Society.
He married nurse Marilyn Willetta Johns (1941-2026) and they had a son and two daughters.
He died at Winnipeg on 11 October 2013.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 19 October 2013.
Obituary [Marilyn Willetta Preston], Winnipeg Free Press, 22 August 2026.
We thank Frances Kasper for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 22 August 2026
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