Fair Preston

Fair “Dick” Preston, age 85, of Canon City, died peacefully at his home on October 7, 2009. Dick was born on December 13, 1923 in Romona, Oklahoma to JD and Violet Preston. He grew up in Englewood, Colorado and joined the US army during WWII. He served in the 421st Engineer Dump Truck Co. in Guadalcanal, Batangas, Luzon, and Japan. When Dick returned from the war, he worked as a carpenter (a trade he learned from his father). He built many houses in Colorado. He married Ethel McConnell on June 14, 1957. Dick opened Fair Auto Wrecking in 1962 fulfilling his dream, of owning a wrecking yard. He also started Poor Fair’s Classic Cars. On August 28, 1965 his son, Rodney, was born. After he sold the wrecking yard, Dick continued to buy and sell classic cars. In 1991 he had a heart attack and open heart surgery. Following this, he needed less strenuous work, so Dick taught himself to restore stainless steel trim on classic cars. He loves to make things shiny and we attribute this to the Cherokee Indian in him. As the years progressed, he became well known nationwide as the best at his trade. Because Dick infected everyone around him with his love of Antique Cars, of course his son would share in this passion. Together they restored many cars, and started Stainless Trim Works. Now, Rodney carries on the family business. On September 10, 2005, Dick got the daughter he never had when his son married Heather Deshaies. And as Ethel would say, Heather could wrap Dick around her little finger! Dick enjoyed helping his son and daughter-in-law with their new home, by building sheds and fences, painting, and even laying flagstone. Dick and Ethel had been preparing to move to Fort Collins to be closer to Rodney and Heather. Dick Preston possessed an amazing knowledge of Antique Cars and was happy to help anyone who asked. He has bought, restored, and sold countless old cars. He died next to his old Cadillac with a wrench in his hand, doing what he loved. Along with his love of cars, Dick loved meeting and talking to people. He was extremely generous throughout his life. If it was too cold to work outside, you would find him reading. He could read several books in one day. He loved reading about history, but mostly he loved reading his bible. He faced death with the same courage he faced everything else in his life. And he took comfort from knowing he would be going to heaven when he died. Dick is survived by his wife Ethel, his son Rodney (and Heather) Preston of Wellington, his brother Jim (and Evelyn) of Englewood, and a multitude of friends and extended family. Because Dick touched so many people in his life, there will be 2 memorial services. The first memorial service will be held at the Canon City Community Baptist Church (at 1111 Monroe Avenue in Canon City, Colorado) on Thursday, October 15th at 11 am. The second memorial service will be held at Englewood Bible Church (at 3190 South Grant St. in Englewood, Colorado) on Saturday, October 17th at 11am. In tribute to Dick, classic cars will be welcome at both services. His ashes will be interned at Fort Logan on a later date. Ethel asks those who are willing to please share a memory or a story here.

Fair Preston

December 13, 1923 - October 7, 2009