Saturday, November 26, 2016
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
My sincere sympathy is extended to the Vercruysse family at this difficult time. Bob's passing brings to a close the life of a hard working farmer, a devoted family man and lover of the outdoors. I recall how my late dad, Clarence "Cap" Preston admired Bob's mom and dad for years as his dad would come to our Long Pond Road Greece farm to pick up produce for his stand. They were good friends like many Irondequoit and Greece farm families. When my brother was killed in a 1961 car wreck, Mr. Vercruysse was first to call our house.
When my dad retired and had his farm machinery auction, Bob purchased our IH 460 Hi-Utility tractor. Our relationship continued as Bob worked the ground here planting sweet corn and other produce. A low-flying crop duster plane was always exciting. I recall Bob's big Farmall 656 tractor left at our farm to till the soil and cut down the corn stalks. And oh how they would relive deer hunting in story after story over a cold beer. My daughter Kim and Bob's wife Ellen were room mates at General Hospital and had babies the same day.
These are fond memories that will last forever. Today as I continue to farm a few acres on what is left of the Preston farm, I view this precious ground as sacred where Bob and my dad and his family worked all their lives. It is as it should be.
Farewell old friend. Rest easy Bob.
