that is a heartbreaker . lived with jim for a few years in the early 90s great guy so sorry fiona

My true condolences. It’s been over 5 years since I last heard from Jim and Fiona and only happened to find this very sad news looking to contact them.

Our paths crossed when Jim and Fiona came to Perth in ’05 and taught us at Ocean Reef Senior High School. We got along with them so well and were instantly drawn to their passion for life and adventure.

Then is January ’07, my twin brother and I came to Calgary and stayed with Jim and Fiona. They showed us an amazing and unforgettable time and made memories taht I will personally treasure for the rest of my life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who knew Jim and especially to Fiona.

Thanks for the great times! You will be missed in Perth!!!

Kenneth Young

(Perth, Western Australia)

Fiona,

Our deepest condolences for your loss. Jim’s passion and enthusiasm for life was inspiring to every member of our family.

Sincerely,

Tina, Terry, Christine and Teresa Ierakidis

We were saddened to hear Jim lost his battle with cancer – he had a huge impact on our daughter, Leanne, at STS as he encouraged her in her love of outdoor pursuits. Leanne continues to appreciate and is very much involved in that side of her life, thanks to Jim. Although his life was short, he packed in alot of living in those years. Our hearts go out to you, Fiona!

I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mr. Preston, his stewardship of the outdoor education program, and his guidance during my years at STS. He will be in my thoughts in the coming days. Please accept my deep and sincere sympathies.

Fiona,

Jim was a friend and a mentor. We shared some good belly laughs over the years I must say. Thinking of you and sending you strength through the tough times.

Jill

Jim fostered an appreciation for the great outdoors in all four of our children, Anna, Nick, Patrick and Peter during their time at STS. He was smart, kind, enthusiastic, passionate and compassionate. He was a wonderful role model and his spirit will surely live on in the many lives of students he inspired. Thank you Jim. Our heartfelt condolences to Fiona and his family.

He will be missed.

Fiona

Jim was such an influential person in my life. I spent so many memorable times with him in the mountains, on the river, in our apartment and in the pub. His friendship was very important to me. I will always cherish those memories.

Fiona,

Jim was a true gentleman, and found time to reach out to others who were suffering, even during his own challenges. He was selfless. I also want to acknowledge the strength, commitment and love everyone witnessed in you – you were both blessed to have each other and are truly a marvel to witness. Take care.

Ms Preston,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Though I only met him once, Mr Preston was a man who knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. My thoughts are with you.

Love, Lizzi

Dear Fiona,

It is with great sadness I heard of Jim’s passing. What an amazing man! He had a way to connect with people of all ages and all walks of life. He made everyone feel special and important. His smile and positive outlook on life will never be forgotten. I am certain Jim fought to the end as he never wanted to leave you behind. You were a team who climbed mountains and travelled the world. You will always be a team no matter what as he will be watching you and guiding you through your life.

Death leaves a heartache

No one can heal;

Love leaves a memory

No one can steal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Guylaine & Barry from Airdrie

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Preston’s passing. Please accept my sympathies. His enthusiasm and love for the outdoors will always be remembered.

Our family’s condolences go out to you. Jim was a special teacher who inspired many students. His legacy can be seen in our children, who were fortunate to have had the privilege of his wisdom and teaching at STS. We are so sorry for your loss.

Please accept my sympathies. I was also a student of Mr Preston’s and fondly remember his sincerity and kindness as a teacher. I am very sorry for your loss.

Tory Jennings

Fiona, our hearts are with you.

Dan and Bonnie Vars

Fiona and Family,

Please know my thoughts and prayers continue for you. I will always remember what a sweet spirit Jim had. Hope to attend on the 15th.

Cousin from Vancouver,

Rob

Please accept our deepest condolences – our children (Radha ’97, Radhika ’97 and Rajen ’01) had the privilege of having Jim as their outdoor education instructor.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jaymal & Rupa Ruparell

Dear Fiona,

I was so sorry to hear about Jim and his courageous battle. I remember you both on your wedding day and I thought you were such a great match. Even after all these years you are still in my thoughts. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I wish I was able to attend the memorial, but I am scheduled to fly out that morning.

Love you always,

Shelley

Fiona, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

“Gentleman Jim” had an effect on us all with his sense of humour, gentle patience, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire others. His spirit soars.

Dear Fiona

I am so sad for you, and full of admiration for the outstanding love and courage you and Jim shared in his brave fight against cancer. I pray you find comfort somehow, perhaps in the mountains and beautiful sunsets you enjoyed so often together.

With love

Isobel

Dear Ms. Preston,

We were deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Preston’s passing. He was definitely one of the highlights of my son’s time at STS. His passion for life, adventure, and teaching always came across when we met with him. The world is a little less bright for those of us who remain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you…

With deepest regards,

Lynn and John Kong

Dear Fiona,

I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you and the entire STS community. My sincerest condolences. Nicky McKinnon (nee Jordan)

Dear Fiona and Family,

I was a student of Jim’s for 6 years in the early 90s. He was a force of positive energy and helped guide me towards some of the best outdoor experiences of my life. His energy was, and always will be, infectious.

Graeme

Dear Ms Preston,

I so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of hiking with Mr Preston during the rogaine in grade 10, he was an incredible man full of energy and spirit. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Love,

Kate Hanly

Mrs. Preston, our condolences go out to you and your family. Your husband was well respected at STS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the family:

I’ve been living in beautiful BC for the last 6 years, and not a week goes by where I don’t appreciate the outdoor beauty and crave another trip to the mountains. I credit the amazing Outdoor Education program at STS and incredible teachers like Jim for being the inspiration and foundation of that program, which lead to my love of the outdoors.

Mr. Preston was my grade 7 home room teacher, and thus is one of my earliest memories at the school. He was patient, compassionate and kind. He always greeted me with an enthusiastic and friendly hello.

All my best to the family. Thank you for sharing Jim with us students for so many years!

Anna

Dear Fiona,

I was a friend of Jim’s during his work at Pacific Crest Outward Bound. He was a dear, selfless, always positive, a good friend, and forgiving. Although we have not been in touch since 1990, I’m sad for your great loss, but know that you, too, must be very special. From far away Phoenix, Arizona, I send deep condolences and am glad you were able to be by his side.

Sincerely, Laura

Dear Fiona, Family, and Friends of Mr. Jim Preston:

I am saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. Jim Preston. His love for the mountains was ever present and always inspiring for anyone who was his pupil. Jim was a mentor to myself and a great many others. My favorite memories of life at STS consist of outdoor adventures lead by Jim Preston and Jim Walls.

Thanks for sharing your passion with us!

Brett Habijanac ( Class of 1991)

Fiona

We are deeply saddened by Jim’s passing. Jim was always one of Gene’s and my favorite teachers but I think more importantly he was a favorite of both our girls, Toria and Morgan. I have always thought that if we touch or make a positive difference in one persons life we have been successful – Jim has been successful on a scale to large to count.

Ms Preston,

I am so sad to hear of Mr. Preston’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I will never forget what an amazing person he was. I feel very fortunate to have been taught by him.

Love,

Rachel Roskey

Dear Fiona, Please accept our condolences in the passing of Jim. I had the pleasure of having a visit with him at he alumni luncheon in December. Those we hold dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindnesses they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. Sincere Sympathy Love Alice and Bud Wyatt

My deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Preston was an amazing teacher, and really fostered my love for the outdoors. I now live out in BC, doing Search and Rescue, and spending as much time in the mountains out here as I can. Mr. Preston’s passion for the outdoors was truly an inspiration.

Dear Fiona,

I just heard the sad news from Mark Miller who just flew in from Calgary to stay with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Dear Fiona,

I was one of Jim’s students at STS in the late eighties, and I am very sad to hear of his passing. I remember him clearly and fondly – all these years later. I can still recall conversations we had while hiking, some high mountain pass, or skiing some far-flung glacier. Most of all, I remember the warmth of his character. Obviously I was a student, and he was my teacher, but he always managed to make me feel like we were equal companions on a wild adventure. I will always be grateful to him for those marvelous times, and I send you my heartfelt sympathies.

Judd Palmer

Dear Fiona,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr. Preston was a very inspiring teacher. I especially remember his enthusiasm and positive energy while leading O.E. trips which always inspired me to dig a little deeper. I feel very fortunate to have been taught by him. He will be deeply missed,

Sincerely,

Deborah Parker (class of 97)

Fiona, I met Jim as an Outdoor Pursuits student in the 80’s at UofC. I am still teaching outdoor ed to students 25 years on here in Australia. I remember admiring Jim’s wonderful approach to teaching and I know there are thousands of young people who have had their lives enriched by his envolvment in their lives. A little bit of Jim will be with them throughout their lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ian Boyle

Kangaroo Valley

Australia

Jim was one amazing man who had an immense positive impact on both our children, Faaria and Zaafir during their formative years. His was the type of character that one should emulate. Our children knew that. We will pray that his soul rest in eternal peace and that Fiona and the family get the strength to move forward as they miss him so dearly. Once again, he was an amazing man. We will always remember him.

Dear Fiona and Family

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Jim was a man who made the lives of everyone he met a little bit better. It was a privilege to have known him.

Pat and Grant

Ms Preston

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Darci Stronach and Taylor and Toni Stronach-Hesp

Dear Fiona,

We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that you are very much in our thoughts. The way both of you always pursued your passions of teaching and adventure with such energy and commitment was an inspiration to so many of us.

Sincerest condolences. Take care.

Mike & Doris

Ms Preston,

I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr Preston, however I hear he was a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you through this difficult time.

–Ciara Hanly

We were deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. You know how special Jim has always been to our family. We do not think you could find a kinder, gentler man. Fiona, your strength, love and devotion has been a model for all of us. Please accept our sincerest condolences and know that although we can not be with you, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Sharon and Jim.

Dear Fiona,

Sincere Condolences. Jim was such a kind man with a warm smile. You are in my thoughts.

Anne Bawtinhimer

As a former student at STS I can endorse Mr Preston’s dedication to his students. Upon hearing he would be in proximity to a Lacrosse tournament of mine in BC, he told me that he planned to attend a game. He held to his word and cheered me on from the crowd without knowing anyone else in attendance. He always made sure to keep himself updated on my personal progress in sports and life. My deepest sympathies to all his loved ones, he will truly be missed.

My deepest condolences go out to Fiona and family – Jim was an amazing person.

As a former student of Jim’s I remember him as a tremendous influence in my life. He was, and still is, a pillar of inspiration and courage.

Jim, you will be greatly missed.

Ian Clark ’95

On behalf of Emily and myself, I extend the most sincere sympathies to your family. Jim was an inspiration to all at STS over his many years there. Our daughters Vanessa and Claire benefited greatly from the outdoor education program and their lives were shaped by his leadership. During my years as a Governor and as Chairman of the Board, I had a great deal of interaction with him. Jim will be missed by many.

I’m deeply saddened to hear about Jim’s passing.

As one of his students I will always remember his passion for outdoor pursuits and the great enthusiasm that he brought to his work. I have no doubt that the example he set made me a better person.

My deepest sympathies to Fiona and family.

-Tyler Poffenroth (STS ’07)

Fiona and family,

Jim brightened countless lives with his smile, enthusiasm and passion — as you well know. I am, and will always be, inspired by him and his spirit.

With every good wish,

Jeff McGuinness

My thoughts are with you and the entire STS community. Jim was a phenomenal friend, colleague, and teacher. He savoured his passion and shared it so well with all of us. He inspired everyone to be their best and I feel so lucky that I had a chance to work alongside his positive spirit. He will be truly missed!

Fiona,

Jim was one of the best colleagues I had the pleasure to know and the privilege to work with. I deeply remember his positive attitude, his words of love for you, for the outdoors and for his students. Jim was an inspiration to many of us. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Claudio Numa

I would like to thank Mr Preston for his caring and commitment to my education and well being. The outdoor trips we took were always fun. I remember though when on one hike which lasted 4 days and where I was not in shape and near the end of my mental and physical limits. He never said anything to upset my pride in front of my classmates but just gave me a tap on the back and said it was just a few more miles to camp. Was I glad to hear that!

I also loved it when he would help up make popcorn in the Outdoor Ed room at the old end of school. He never complained about the smell as I do now with my kids. He was just a great person who I remember with fondness and caring.

I am sorry for your loss especially at such a young age, far too young. Thank-you Jim for giving some of your best years to me and my classmates. I can honestly say when I think of STS I can actually picture you and your great smile even after all these years.

Robert Ouellette (secret year)

I have a lot of great memories of Mr. Preston at STS. Of all our teachers, he was always the most approachable and helpful. I will always remember him telling a wide-eyed group of junior high boys about seeing Led Zeppelin in the Kingdom. “I had no idea teachers were allowed to be *cool!*”

My sincerest condolences to his family. He was a kind man who made a real difference in a lot of lives.

Dear Fiona and family:

Mr. Preston opened me up to the wonderful world of the outdoors. He taught me that passion and effort lead to perseverance no matter the obstacles. I was fortunate enough to have him as a leader on various outdoor education trips throughout my years at STS. He had an intensive desire to help students realize their potential, and look past the day-to-day mundane activities of video games and the like.

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Jim taught both my children, Sara and Mark Staples, at Strathcona Tweedsmuir. No teacher could have been held in higher esteem. He passed on lifelong skills in outdoor education and fostered passion and respect for the wilderness and its challenges. We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing…..he will be truly missed. We send our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences for your loss Fiona…..Jim made an enormous difference in the lives of his students.

Fiona and family,

Jim brought an infectious enthusiasm and love of life that touched all his students and the entire STS community. Through his example, he taught us to push ourselves to greater challenges, support those around us, and enjoy each day. He will be remembered lovingly by those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and learning from him.

Our thoughts and love are with you and Jim,

The Black Family

Fiona, I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I have heard from my Uncle what a great man he was, and how brave. I still have the Billabong sticker he sent me from Australia and have thought of him often.

Dear Fiona,

Please accept my deepest condolences. You and Jim have waged such a brave battle and I hope you find comfort in the love and support of friends and family.

Though you likely won’t remember, I was so pleased to have you and Jim sit at our table (many years ago!) at the STS graduation dinner. Jim was such an inspiring teacher and I remember being very in awe of you, his beautiful bride! Jim taught me a love and respect for the outdoors and the importance of quiet strength of character. I am so grateful for having known him.

My thoughts are with you.

Claire Graham (class of 95′)

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I had the privilege of being in Mr. Preston’s Outdoor Education class; he was a truly inspirational teacher. I will always remember him singing to wake us up in the mornings on our OE trips.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Fiona and Jim’s STS friends and colleagues. We worked at STS 2003-2007 and had the opportunity to know Jim and witness the inspirational way he conducted himself. He had many gifts, but his kindness left an impression echoed by those fortunate to have worked or been on a mountain with him.

Kim and Brad

Warman, Saskatchewan

Dear Fiona and Family,

Although it has been a number of years since Jim and I were colleagues at STS, I still feel a debt of gratitude for the generosity with which he shared his love and knowledge of the outdoors and teaching. In particular, I remember the kindness and patience he shown me (a new teacher) on a snow science camp. Not so incidentally, one of the things I remember most about that trip was how lovingly he spoke of his family!

Dear Fiona,

We are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim’s love for life and the outdoors, lives on in the students he taught and friends and colleagues he has touched. We are off to Perth today and know we will meet Jim’s adventuresome spirt there.

Love Helen and Paul

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Mr. Preston was a wonderful teacher. He showed real effort and patience in fostering an appreciation for the outdoors in this reluctant student. He had great character and enthusiasm and will be missed by many.

Andrea Ryer, Class of 1998

To live in hearts he leaves behind is not to die, but to be remembered for eternity, as you summit a mountain, lie under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream…he carries on in our memories as an inspiration and friend to so many.

Sending my deepest condolences at this difficult time,

Jessica Harvey – STS ’01

Please accept my sincere condolences. It has been almost 10 years since I graduated from STS, but I still remember Mr. Preston’s warmth, and the sincere interest he took in his students.

All the best in this difficult time.

Dear Fiona and Family

Your ‘Jim’ and our ‘Mr Preston’ will always be a part of all our lives. Every step that you might take up or down a mountain, cross a stream, reach a summit, or sit by an ocean, you will know that Jim lives on in the hearts and eyes of his students and our chidren. We are grateful indeed.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathy,

The Meth Family

Fiona, I am very sad to hear that Jim has passed away. You and Jim have always been such a brave and inspiring couple. My thoughts are with you today and always.

Take care

Angela

Dear Fiona,

How saddened we were to hear about Jim.He taught both of our daughters at Strathcona and they spoke so highly of him and their wonderful experiences with him both in the classroom and through the outdoor education program. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Taylor and Tricia Gray

Fiona:

Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. Will certainly remember him for his good natured ways with the bus drivers as well as the students…

As former students of Jim’s, we can attest to his passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure and his overwhelming desire to convey and instill that in others. Jim’s positive attitude was infectious – he truly was an educator. It is a loss for those of us who knew and learned from him but an even greater loss for those who were not blessed with that opportunity. We celebrate his life and hold Fiona and his family in our thoughts. – Ian Graham & Claire MacLean (nee Graham)

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.” – William Irving

Dear Fiona,

Blessed are we for the knowing of Jim. A fine, fine man – truly, one of the best. Wayne joins me in affirming that we are better because he was part of our lives.

Lots of love,

Pam

Dear Fiona,

Harry & I are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Both you and Jim have a special place in our lives. We came to know that both you and Jim had a special strength. Your relationship with Jim was a display of this strength. Jim is needed elsewhere now, but he will be missed, most of all, here. We mourn your loss.

With love and prayers,

Harry & Gaylene

Dear Fiona and family,

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

My sincere condolences,

Brenda Thompson

A little light has gone out on earth, but now shines as bright as a supernova in the sky. You will be missed.

Aimee-Jo ’97

Fiona, our love to you. The strength you both showed on this journey was both inspirational and astonishing. Jim had an indominatable spirit. Our children are better people because they were lucky enough to have Mr. Preston as a teacher. You and your family are in our thoughts.

Fiona and family,

My deepest sympathy to you. Jim was a smiling, wonderful human being, he will be sorely missed. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

Monica

On to new adventures Jim. My condolences to Fiona and family. Jim’s spirit will live on in the hundreds of lives he has touched.

Dear Fiona, family and friends,

We were deeply saddened to here about Jim’s passing. In the few interactions I had with Jim I was struck by his positivity and warm-spirit. We can only imagine your tremendous sense of loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.

Dear Fiona and family,

Our condolences to you Fiona and to Jim’s family. It was a pleasure for Tony and I getting to know Jim and spending time with him at staff functions and in Las Vegas. He had such an amazing spirit and kind heart. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this time.

Dear Fiona,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we extend our deep sympathy to you at this very difficult time. When I think of Jim I think of his grace, kindness, strength, generosity and depth of his soul. He will be remembered for these traits, ones that he carried with him always. How lucky we all are to have known him.

We will be away on holiday on the day of his memorial and I am sad to be missing it. Sending you all our love and prayers for strength and peace. May Jim’s memory be eternal.

Love,

Kathy Marinakos and family

As one of Jim’s many students from STS over the years, I will never forget how he always managed to be so uplifting and encouraging. He not only stood strong in the face of challenges, but also somehow showed others how to do the same.

I will miss his kind, warm-hearted personality. He truly cared for so many, and he will be missed by all of them.

My thoughts and prayers to Fiona and family,

Taylor and the Carcasole family

Fiona,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is with such fondness that we recall many delightful conversations with Jim, highlighted by his sense of humour and heartfelt kindness. With deepest sympathy, Carrie and Warren

Dear Fiona,

I am so sorry for your loss and have been praying for you and Jim. He was an amazing man but you already knew that. I am glad that I had the priviledge to know a man like him – they don’t come around every day. My thoughts and prayers are never very far away from you.

Love, Kristi

Dear Fiona, our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Jim was truly a wonderful man, who touched many of our hearts. You and Jim were really an inspiration as to how we all should live our lives, “to run at it”.

God Bless

Holly

My deepest sympathy to your family at this difficult time. I was a student of Mr. Preston’s at STS, and he fostered in me a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

~Sarah

Jim Preston was one of the staff at STS who made my family feel welcome during our exchange to Calgary in 2003/2004. Jim and Fiona represented what a marriage made in heaven looks like.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Don Eacott and Family, Adelaide, Australia

Dear Fiona,

We would like to offer our deepest condolences on your loss. We will all miss our wonderful Jimmy, but we will think of him every time we see a beautiful mountain scene or some fabulous powder waiting to challenge us. There will be many a tale of “Remember the time that Mr. Preston inspired and challenged us”. All of us who had the opportunity to be one of Jim’s colleagues enjoyed his quick wit and positive attitude. He had a strong sense of commitment, and encouraged all those around him to meet their challenges. Jim was well-loved by All.

Chris and Anne

Dear Fiona ,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful Jim . What a joy and inspiration his life has been to so many. Our love and our prayers are with you.

Dearest Jim,

Thank you for all you have given us by allowing us to be a small part of the wonderful world you created. To be in your presence whether in the mountains, workplace or some other social setting was to be in a place of inspiration. You had a lasting impact on us all and we will always have our memories of you to help keep us steady on the great trek we call life!

All our love Jim and Fiona

From the Chalifoux Family