John Vincent Preston

Grammarians, among many others, were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of John Vincent Preston, one of the great characters of Bangor Grammar School during his time there between 1960 and 1967. He died on 21 January 2018 after a long illness which he had endured with courage and dignity.

John was born on 31 December 1948 and was educated at Bangor Central and Clandeboye Road Primary Schools before entering Bangor Grammar School. He later graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a degree in History. Subsequently he attained a PGCE from Stranmillis College after which he secured a teaching post in Portavogie Primary School, a position he held for 28 years, latterly as Vice Principal. John developed a great love and respect for the families associated with the school and was highly respected in the local Portavogie community. Following retirement he was much in demand as a coach for pupils undertaking the Transfer Procedure and many parents would testify to his patience and to his effectiveness as a tutor.

Throughout his life John was a committed Christian and a devoted and loyal member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Bangor. There he took up an amazing variety of roles, which, among many other unsung tasks, included being a faithful Elder, Sunday School teacher, Boys’ Brigade Officer and Child Protection Officer. For many years the Boys’ Brigade played a significant part in John’s life, initially as a Company member and latterly as an officer and highly effective `factotum`. In addition to his weekly commitments, he frequently volunteered to lead summer camps where he was renowned for his cooking skills.

John retained great warmth and charm; in his own words he was a `people person`. From school to the end of his life he retained his own unique turn of phrase, which always brought a smile to his listeners and without exception endeared him to the members of the church and the wider community. John was ordained as an Elder in Trinity in January 1980. He served on the Kirk Session with unwavering faithfulness for 38 years and was in attendance there until a few months before his death.

In spite of the difficulties associated with his illness, John managed in June 2017 to attend the ‘Class of `67 or Thereabouts Re-Union Dinner’ held as part of its 50-year anniversary. He enjoyed himself immensely amongst his old colleagues with many a timeless story told of schooldays long gone.

The esteem in which he was held was evident in the large number of former BB boys, former pupils, church members and folk from a whole range of community interests who attended John`s funeral in his beloved Trinity Presbyterian Church on 24 January. We are the poorer for his passing and extend our condolences to his widow Rosemary and son Alan.

David E. K. Carson