Robert Henry Preece, known as Rob, was born on 6th January 1956 to Cyril Arthur and Brenda Mary Preece. Having longed for a child, Rob was the apple of his parents' eye and they worked hard to give him every opportunity they could. For Rob, these opportunities involved music. In his early years these were paying for piano lessons, supporting him playing the Organ and attending various productions and gigs, including for his bands Wychwood and Everything Under The Sun. His love of music followed him throughout his life, from working in a music shop, to performing on stage and in later years working as a Musical Director. Only when he had Renal failure and had to go on dialysis 3 times a week did he give up his 5 plus shows a year. He continued to MD and play in the pit band for the Sidmouth Pantomime, which was one of the highlights of his year. His wicked sense of humour and interjections from the pit often derailed the show.

Rob had three children - Jenna, Kelly and Matthew. Like his parents, he worked as hard as he could to give them opportunities in this world, and they will be forever grateful to him. Rob was also blessed with two grandchildren, Braden and Ayva. Ayva’s birth during COVID-19 was one of the things that brought him the most joy in the last 2 years of his life.

In later life, Rob married the love of his life - Malcolm William Bettison. Being born in the 1950s their love, and their relationship, was not given the easiest of starts. They were married on 24th May 2016, just 5 days before Malcolm passed away.

Rob struggled with his health in recent years, and passed away peacefully on the 8th November 2021, aged 65. He will be deeply missed by his friends, the local community and extended family - but mostly by his children and grandchildren.