Dr. H. Preston Sanderson, PhD.

Preston Sanderson, PhD., passed away on the morning of August 10, 2021, at North York General Hospital. He was 95.

Preston was born in Midgell, Prince Edward Island on August 28, 1925. He attended Prince of Wales College and Dalhousie University where he obtained his under-graduate degree in Science and Pre-medicine. Later, while working as a research scientist, the Government of Canada sponsored him to study for his Master’s degree and then his PhD at the University of Minnesota in Environmental Health. With these new skills and knowledge, he represented Canada at various international forums and symposiums on Air Quality and Climate Change.

He was ahead of his time in many ways: He retro-fitted the family car with seat belts; he employed organic gardening techniques and he was an advocate for non-smoking and other clean-air initiatives.

He was also a consummate “fixer-upper” and could repair anything. Family, friends and neighbours would often bring their clocks, appliances, and keepsakes to Preston to repair and he would return them in good working order. His building and fixing accomplishments were extensive -- from repairing small watches, and clocks, small motors, electrical and plumbing to building fine furniture, tables and cabinets, up to major house renovations and an in-ground pool.

A lover of music, he taught himself the piano, the fiddle and the harmonica, which he enjoyed playing to his last days.

Preston was an active member of Newtonbrook / Cummer Avenue United Church. He also curled regularly with the Bayview Curling club into his early nineties.

He is survived and cherished by his loving wife, T. June (nee MacDougall), of over 70 years, his daughter Susan (Don MacKenzie) and his son John (Maryjane Martin). He was a loving grandfather to Lauren, Heather and Paula. Preston is also survived by his younger sister Viola Nolette and predeceased by older siblings Kimble Sanderson and Lilian Wood.

He always loved being Uncle Preston to his many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews and enjoyed sharing stories from his research into their family tree.

A service of celebration for the life of this truly modern Renaissance man will be streamed on Saturday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m. Preston would have been 96 years old on this date and always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with his family. Please let the family know if you would like to attend in person as space is limited and COVID protocols must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. Internment of his ashes will take place in a private ceremony in the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity - Greater Toronto Area or to the national organization, Habitat for Humanity - Canada, as he loved building things that helped other people. Links to make donations below.

Link to Live-Stream:

https://ipickart.ca/stream/Sanderson/