Edward Albert Preston passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 5, 2024 at the High River Hospital. Ed was 88 years old.
Ed is predeceased by his wife Doreen and is survived by his special friend and partner Faye Cumbers, his sister Joyce and his children Penni (Darwin), Kipp (Betty) and Jody (Nadine). Ed also has multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.
Born in Dehinda, SK on April 2, 1936, Ed spent the majority of his adult life in High River and Southern Alberta, first working in farming and ranching before becoming involved in the concrete and aggregate business. There’s a lot of basements, driveways, sidewalks, patios, silos and quonset pads that are still around because of Ed’s concrete!
Beyond his day job, most people knew Ed because of music, or “Pickin’ and Grinnin’” as he described it. Ed and his band were staples throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, literally playing anywhere and everywhere throughout the area. Weddings, community dances, cabarets, bars, taverns and roadhouses…there are hundreds of brides whose first dance was to Ed’s rendition of The Farmers Daughter.
Finding his sobriety with the help of AA in 1985 was life changing, and in his later years, Ed played music with the Christian Cowboys. Faith and God were always an important part of Ed’s life, and The Christian Cowboys allowed him to continue to play and sing (aka pick and grin) while delivering a meaningful message. They travelled throughout the community, bringing “Cowboy Church” to local rodeos, pancake breakfasts and other services. Ed especially enjoyed performing on the “Second Floor”, bringing the joy of music to the residents there.
Ed’s life was not always easy, but he did his best with what he had. He was a hard worker that loved his family, and he passed these traits on to his kids. Those who knew him loved him. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Munroe Barn located at the Sheppard Family Park (1201, 5th St SE, High River, AB) on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:00PM.
Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.
Preston, Edward
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