Nick Preston (20 Feb 1960 - 13 Oct 2015)

Whilst we lost touch over the last years I was so saddened to hear of Nick passing away. I remember many happy times spent with Nick and Laura and also numerous occasions (often at work!) when just Nick and I spent many an hour over a tea or coffee chatting over our mutual interest in cars and all matters motoring. Nick will be missed by so many people for so many different reasons.

Memories of your welcoming smile, warmth and hugs will always stay with us. Your generosity of spirit whether in words or deeds will never be forgotten. The pleasure you took in thoughtful gestures, like cooking an Italian meal for us after our first trip to Italy, were genuine and so appreciated. Thank you also for the love you gave and shared with dear Laura. Warmest thoughts of you will stay in our hearts forever. xx

Such a lovely, laughing man who made my dear friend Laura so happy. The memories I have of Nick will always stay with me.

Laura's tribute to Nick is the Eulogy she wrote chronicling their 25 years 5 weeks and 1 day together and written with all her love and thanks for each precious day xxx

"Nicholas Alan Preston - always known as Nick or “Nicky” to his family - was born on 20th February 1960 in Woolwich, the eldest child of Josephine and Bernard Preston. Nick was a much loved first Grandchild. Four years later Jo was born and the family was completed with the arrival of a baby sister Sally Jane 6 years later.

Nick’s Mum tells us he was very forward for his age walking at 10 months and talking very early. He was always a great talker so obviously decided to get started as soon as possible! He won a Scholarship to Crofts Grammar School and excelled at maths. In later life he was well known for his mental arithmetic which came in handy when he was plumbing. He was an active member of the Air Cadets and indeed was the youngest Cadet at the school. He loved flying and in an ideal world would have liked to have become a pilot. He remained very interested in flight, aircraft and the Red Arrows. He chose to celebrate his 50th Birthday at Duxford Air Museum.

Nick cherished his Mum and sisters and took his role as their protector very seriously indeed. When he started his first job working in a paper shop he would bring comics home for his sisters and his Mum would get ½ lb of mixed toffees. He was always there for his sisters offering help and support. He bought Jo her first cocktail dress and he taught her to ride pillion on his little yellow Yamaha fizzy. When Jo married Stu he was so proud to give her away. Nick always looked out to his baby sister Sally Jane and missed her when she moved to Canada. They shared a love of films and books and on one visit home when she lived in London Ontario Nick treated her to a “Taz” cartoon embroidered jacket emblazoned with “from London” but of course that was the London in the UK not Ontario; a joke they both enjoyed.

Nick was especially close to his Gran and had fond memories of watching Trooping the Colour with her from her offices in Horesguards Parade. She was always cooking him treats and she sparked his interest in cooking. Nick loved to cook and liked to entertain his friends to home cooked meals often with an Italian theme. He was always ambitious and didn’t always pull it off. Nick and Julie will remember one meal that did not go to plan. But real friends just laugh with you and drink more wine !

In May 1990 Nick was excited about the arrival in his life of his new company car a sporty little Peugeot 205 number when along came a rival for his affections - Laura started at Amery Parkes. The very first day she was taken by her boss to meet her colleagues for a lunchtime drink and yes it really does happen across a crowded room Nick and Laura connected and it was love at first sight. 3 months later they were married and on 7th September they celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary; 25 years of love. Nick showed Laura how much he cared and loved her every day of their lives. He was a wonderful husband and they were as much in love after 25 years as on their wedding day. Laura has lost the love of her life and her heart is broken. Nick and Laura were everything to each other and Nick liked nothing better than sitting watching a favourite TV programme snuggled up at home with Laura and with Daisy and Lilly purring in their baskets.

Nick’s larger than life personality filled up a room he was warm, happy and always laughing. Laura remembers he made her laugh so often she knew he was the one for her. He showed Laura every day how much he cared for her and together they made a formidable team and Teamwork helped them get through the bad times too.

Nick and Laura loved the Apennine mountains and hill towns of Northern Tuscany and spent happy holidays there bringing home special pieces to furnish their home. Nick loved nature and enjoyed walking holidays with friends in Lynmouth, North Devon. He enjoyed time in France staying with Melanie’s Grandparents and many holidays with Melanie and her family. He was “Uncle Nick” to Melanie’s children Tom and Emily who are here with us today. He had such fun playing with them when they were little and watching them grow into the lovely young people they are today. In more recent years Nick and Laura took their holidays in the Big Sky County of Norfolk and started to make plans to retire there. The photo of Nick on the Order of Service was taken on Holcombe Beach which was their favourite. When you stand on Holcombe beach where the sky meets the sea Nick told Laura he was filled with happiness and a sense of peace.

When Nick married Laura he got a “two for the price of one deal” and Laura’s Mum Alma soon became like another Mother. Nick and Alma were very close and enjoyed a very special relationship. Together they upholstered and re-stored a French antique bed. Nick took Mum shopping to her favourite Bradbeeres store in Romsey. He taught her how to programme the TV after Jim died and he was endlessly patient with Alma when she pressed the wrong button and lost the TV picture yet again! Alma would tell Nick that he was the 4th corner of her family. Nick promised Alma’s husband Jim that he would look after Alma and he could not have done more for her. Alma would tell Nick that he was the 4th corner of her family. Nick promised Alma’s husband Jim that he would look after Alma and he could not have done more for her. Nick was instrumental in finding her new flat and making the forthcoming move happen. Even when he was ill Nick was determined the move went ahead. He was still looking after her like he promised Jim.

Nick and Laura were not blessed with children but on 30 December 1990 their Best Man Leslie Jones and his wife Ruth had a daughter and Victoria Louise Jones came into their lives. Leslie and Ruth generously shared their daughter with Nick and Laura who became her God Parents and set about spoiling her rotten. They went to ballet shows, tap shows, school plays and enjoyed picnics holidays and days out together. Nick drove Viki to take her Driving Test and she passed ! One year for her birthday Nick decorated Viki’s first grown up bedroom. Nick and Laura shared every significant milestone event in Viki’s life and never once missed a celebratory slice of Birthday Cake. Viki brought much joy into his life and was like a daughter to Nick.

He was a loving Uncle to his Nephews Jack, Sam and Nathan. Jack and Sam endured much good natured teasing from Uncle Nick. Nathan ran a race last week to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer charity in Uncle Nick’s memory. He had originally declined to take part but changed his mind because of Uncle Nick’s passing and completed 13 laps of the school; he is only 8.

Nick loved the company of his friends and was always keen to help his friends and nothing was ever too much trouble. He was our friends “go to guy” whenever anyone had a problem and was only too delighted to be able to help be it practical with DIY, or with IT or making liquorice ice cream. He loved tinkering with cars with his friend Paul and exchanging car stories with his mechanic Brother-in-law Stu. He never stopped learning about cars and engines. He liked owning a Sabb convertible so he could tinker. He followed Formula 1 and played the Fantasy Formula One game with friends Matthew and Tiffany.

Nick enjoyed his job at Mercedes Sandown, getting a real thrill from driving the prestigious brand and being able to talk to his colleagues about the technical aspect; it was a perfect fit for him. He made many friends and particularly enjoyed being a “father figure” to some of the younger members of staff. One of the last days out Nick had was at Brooklands when he got to go out on the track and off road. With typical enthusiasm and too many beans he got the 4x4 stuck ! He was so proud to finally own a Mercedes which was a long held ambition.

Nick started his career at Norwich Union in the City and then moved to Amery Parkes where he and Laura worked side by side for 11 happy years. After 25 years Nick decided on a change from law and set up his own bathroom company Preston Gill where he and Laurence Gill installed bathroom and kitchens and along the way developed a deep respect for each other’s skills and an enduring friendship.

Laura was the love of Nick’s life but his cats Daisy and Lilly came a close second. Daisy in particular followed Nick around like a dog and he cuddled her for hours and missed her every day after she passed away last year.

When Nick was ill his wonderful friends supported him and Laura with so much love it was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Laura would like to make special mention of Les and Ruth, Paul and Wendy, and Tiffany and Matthew. Melanie and Barry have supported Laura here today and it was Melanie they called when the hospital broke the news. Friends are indeed the family we chose for ourselves.

Nick’s time was too short but his was a life jam-packed with love and laughter. Nick would like to you remember him smiling and laughing so please try to smile through your tears.

A joy to work with, missing your smile!

What can I say? Gone too soon..... What a great neighbour, friend and lovely guy you were. Nothing was too much trouble and all that delicious liquorice ice cream you made for me!! I can't begin to tell you how much I will miss you. You were my go to friend who would willingly drop anything to help others out regardless of what you were doing. You will be forever in my heart and thoughts. Xx

Gone but not forgotten
Departed yet forever here
A goodbye that's really "see you later"
For you'll know Nick's always near

If you look you'll all but find
He's in your heart and in your mind
Although no longer at your side
In your lives he'll still reside

Andrew White, 13th October 2015

Fond and lasting memories of many shared times and experiences over 28 years will always be remembered dear friend. Words cannot adequately tell how you will be missed . Taken too soon shall always be difficult to comprehend. We shall care for Laura, who is in our thoughts at this time. Rest peacefully my great friend Nick.

Snippets of email from Laurance Gill

Preston Gill Limited...Really just an excuse for two grown men (debatable) to avoid doing proper work! How much fun did we have?
A company run on café cremes, Marlboro lights, caffeine and dodgy dvds. Saying that we fitted some bloody lovely bathrooms. Still have the pics for proof!

Tiles falling off walls, houses getting very wet and all problems dealt with over a brew and a fag…Perfect. I always loved your approach to things. You always had the ability to deal with the trickier client. Quick smoke and coffee and GO! Head scratching followed by coffee. How I smile when I think about working with you. Good times Nick, good times indeed.

I feel bad that we drifted apart but life just got in the way. A terrible thing to accept right now but know this, You always were a very close friend and always will be.

Many happy memories when we were kids all at nans in meadowside. i cannot begin to imagine how my Auntie Josie, Jo-anne & Sally are feeling, but I know they loved you loads and will miss you more than words can say. RIP Cousin Nicky x

Tomorrow, our Mum, says goodbye to her eldest and only son. As Mothers we can not imagine and hope we never do, know how much our poor Mum must be feeling. There is a large son, brother and Uncle hole in our lives. Miss you. X

I am so sorry to hear about Nick, I just cant find the right words to say, he was a lovely man and i feel honoured to have known him. Thinking of you xxx

Lynn, Hank, Bob & Eileen donated £40 in memory of Nick