Helping Preston Decker's Family Through Unimaginable Loss

Update: Preston’s Obituary is now available and has been added to the end of this message. 

We are shattered to share the news of the sudden and inexplicable passing of Preston Decker, at the sweet young age of just 13 years old. Preston passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 15th, while doing what he loved most - playing basketball with his friends.

Preston was a bright and loving young boy whose kindness and radiant smile touched everyone who knew him. His spirit was particularly remarkable given the health challenges he faced throughout his young life. He underwent open-heart surgery as a child and, almost a year ago, survived a severe epileptic episode (the staff at Fairfield Elementary saved his life). Despite these obstacles, he was a vibrant and healthy young man who embraced life to the fullest each day.

This devastating tragedy has plunged the Decker family and all who loved Preston into deep mourning. In addition to their immense grief, they now face the unexpected financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses. No parent ever anticipates the loss of a child, and this financial strain only intensifies their heartbreak.

As friends and family, we are reaching out to our community to provide much-needed support to Ryan, Elise, and Vincent during this incredibly difficult time. We ask you to join us in surrounding them with love and support in the days ahead, ensuring they do not have to navigate this journey alone.

The Decker family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated coaches and staff at the Boys and Girls Club East, as well as the first responders and staff at Kingston General Hospital, for their valiant efforts in Preston's final moments. Preston was a true warrior, both in spirit and physically, and the family finds some comfort in knowing he passed away doing what he loved.

Preston was also an organ donor, and in the midst of their grief, the family takes solace in knowing that he has been able to help others through this selfless act.

Funeral arrangements are currently being made, and the family will share details with loved ones as soon as they are finalized.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your outpouring of love and support as we navigate this devastating loss.” - Ryan, Elise & Vincent

Sincerely,

Friends & Family of the Decker's

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Update: 

The Decker family has asked that we share Preston’s Obituary: 

“It is with extremely heavy hearts that Ryan, Elise and Vincent announce the sudden passing of their beloved son and brother Preston on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at age 13. Preston was playing basketball and being his energetic self when he passed away. Loving son of Ryan and Elise Decker and caring little brother of Vincent. Preston’s fur brothers Brody and Rupert will greatly miss his snuggles. 

Also deeply missed by his grandparents Jolanda and Rick Noble, Dick de Groot and Ine Rijbeek, Margo and Bruce Decker; uncles and aunties Charlotte and Fred Fuller, Dallas Decker, Nathan and Cassandra Decker; cousins Declan and Hazley, and god parents Marie-Josée Séguin and Joel Running. Great grandson of Evelyn and the late Donald Corbin, the late Mildred and Arnold Decker, and the late Truus and Jan van Vliet. 

Preston will be fondly remembered by many extended family members, his close friends, and his school family at Fairfield Elementary in Amherstview. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, 4080 Bath Road, Kingston on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4 pm. Cremation will follow.”

Rest easy, P ♥️