Robert Van Preston
Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce that Robert Van "Bob" Preston Vidal, age 83, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Born on February 17, 1943, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he was the beloved son of Teddy Warren Preston and Ada Marina Vidal Ramirez.

Bob proudly served in the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued his passion for architecture and founded B.P. Construction, which he successfully owned and operated until his retirement. Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was known for his trusting soul, stubborn determination, and lifelong love of travel. He delighted in recreating dishes discovered during his global adventures and possessed a unique talent for creating stained-glass windows, which he beautifully incorporated into his architectural designs.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Teddy Preston and Albert Preston; his former wife, Aida Esther Ruiz Olivieri; and their children, Peter Robert Preston Ruiz and Kathryn Patricia Preston Ruiz. He also leaves behind his niece and stepdaughter, Karen Catin Rasmussen Ruiz; grandchildren, Arley Preston Baez, Brayde Preston Hartbarger, Allen Jusino Preston, and Gustavo Jusino Preston; and his great-granddaughter, Sophya Annette Preston.

Bob's ashes will return to his birthplace of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Parroquia Ayudada Santísima Trinidad. This church holds deep historical meaning, as it was converted into a self-sustained parish by his late father-in-law, Bishop Justo Pastor Ruiz, who served as the first resident rector and established it as the first parish on the island. In a beautiful full-circle tribute, Bob will rest among the very stained-glass windows he created and donated in loving memory of his sister-in-law, Nilde Catin Rasmussen, and Bishop Justo Pastor Ruiz