Michael Ronald Prees' Obituary
Michael Prees was born and raised in England and was a true visionary in his work as an engineer. As a young man he worked as an apprentice. It wasn’t long before his employer recognized his intelligence and talent. Michael was one of seven chosen to receive further education in engineering. He soon earned further credentials in the IEE. He developed code for the first BBC computer and worked in audiology. Michael headed the technology department at one of the hospitals in the in the NHS. But his interest in new technological adventures was apparent. One of the doctors at the hospital sought his help to find a way to analyze one patient’s elbow and another patient’s gait. Michael used infrared to assist the doctor. Eventually the two began their own business, Thermoteknix, in Cambridge, England. They found many successes. One in particular was an infrared system which was used to analyze cement kilns for hot spots and cold spots which often caused major damage. Their company grew with their clientele from many countries. When Michael retired and immigrated to the United States, choosing Dallas, Texas as his home, he wasn’t finished with technology. He learned multiple computer languages. He pursued his fascination with animation, developing a unique set of characters, a walking talking fire extinguisher, a one armed one-legged table, and walking talking boxes which fascinated many. One of the favorites was the story an orphan fly who didn’t know how to fly. Michael’s imagination knew no bounds. His dry wit added just the right touch to his animation stories and his relationships with others. Michael had two children, Tim and Viv, with his wife Angela Prees. He was very proud of his children. He admired their accomplishments. His son, Tim, is a solicitor in the Bath area in England. As a teenager, Tim took an interest in flying. His early interest was in plane gliders. Michael especially enjoyed helping to launch Tim in his glider and watching him soar through the sky. Michael’s daughter, Viv, is a doctor in community medicine. She continued her medical education to become a consultant. Michael spoke of fond memories of holidays by the seaside, watching his children running with delight into the cold sea and running back to their hut for some warmth and hot tea, only to run back into the sea again. Michael raised two more children, Ande and Rob, with his wife, Joanna Prees. They were thirteen and eleven when he became their dad, and he grew to them as his own. They spent some of their childhood living in England, before moving back to Dallas. He shared delightful times, and the slower pace of river boating. The children and their friends would often join the many adventures through the river locks, followed by swimming and ice cream. Ande is the Bending Oaks School Director. She and her husband, Doug, provide a low stress, very loving environment for their students. Michael wrote scheduling software for the school as the world became engulfed in technology. He was admired for his work with their students. Rob is GIS Analyst who works at Langley Airforce Base. He works closely with our government making this country a safer place to live. Michael was very proud of his accomplishments and his dedication to our country. A memorial service will be held at 12:30pm Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238 at Restland Road.
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