Founder of the Boy Scout movement in Rushden and a devoted worker among the boys for more than 30 years, Mr. Frederick Edward Preston, District Scout Commissioner for the Rushden area, died on Saturday at the age of 76. Mr. Preston last wore his beloved Scout uniform at the memorial service to Baden-Powell in St. Mary’s, Rushden, on January 19. In the opinion of his friends he took a great risk in attending that parade in uniform, but he was determined to play his part, and his decision was typical of his unselfish service to the movement. His health broke down almost immediately afterwards. A native of Hinckley, Leicestershire, Mr. Preston came to Rushden more than 40 years ago as an architect, and for many years occupied an office in Church-parade. He designed the Independent Wesleyan Church, the Athletic and Working men’s Clubs, the present Windmill Club and Hall, and many other buildings in the town. In 1908 he took up the inspiration of Baden-Powell’s famous book “Scouting for Boys” and formed the 1st Rushden Troop, out of which, thanks largely to his constant devotion to the cause, has grown a group of nine troops—six at Rushden, one at Higham Ferrers, one at Newton Bromshold and one at Chelveston—forming the Rushden District Association. He held the position of Scoutmaster until 1916, when he went away on war service, and on his return he resumed his old position. In 1923 he was appointed District Commissioner, and about eight years ago he received a well-earned Scout’s Medal of Merit. Through many years Mr. Preston’s work was carried on under difficulties, especially in regard to suitable headquarters, but he always overcame these problems, and in recent times his ambition has been fulfilled by the opening of a headquarters building off Skinner’s Hill. In his service to the movement Mr. Preston gave freely from his pocket. Many Scouts of today are the sons of those who formed the patrols that Mr. Preston set up in the pioneering days. Mr. Preston never married, and apart from scouting and professional work he had few interests. He attended Sy. Mary’s Church and was for some years a member of the Conservative Club. His only near relative is a sister, Miss M. E. Preston, of Eggington, Leighton Buzzard. For the last two years he had resided with Mr. Harry Pettit at 1 Hall-avenue, Rushden, where his death occurred. The Funeral Boy Scouts of several troops marched on either side of the coffin when the funeral took place at Rushden on Tuesday afternoon. From the house the body was taken to St. Mary’s Church, where the service conducted by the Rector (Rev. E. A. Green) included the hymns, “Fight the fight” and “Jesu, Lover of my Soul.” The interment took place at the Rushden cemetery. The principal mourners were Mr. and Mrs. H. Pettit, Mr. Frank Tassell and Miss S. F. Pettit (friends), and Mr. and Mrs. A. Shortland, Mr. Preston’s only sister being unable to attend. The coffin was carried into the church by District Commissioner D. Winter, District Rover Leader E. R. L. White (2nd St. Mary’s), District Cubmaster Reg Brown, Scoutmaster Albert Hewitt (1st Rushden), Scoutmaster Bob Corby (2nd Rushden), Assistant Scoutmaster Don Sturgess (Newton Bromshold), Mr. Don Essam and Mr. Gordon Percival (Rushden Mission) and Mr. L. Pendered. Rushden Boy Scouts Association was represented by Mrs. Greenfield, wife of Dr. D. G. Greenfield, the president, Councillor W. E. Capon (chairman), Mrs. D. Winters (secretary), Mr. R. Cave (treasurer), Mr. R. Marriott, Councillor T. W. Cox, the Rev. E. E. Bromage and Mr. Walter Knight; Rushden Guides and Cubs by Miss Elliott, Miss F. Maddams and Miss J. Gamble; the Parents’ Committee of the 2nd Rushden Troop by Mrs. Jaques and Mrs. Corby. Scout officers present included Mr. T. Baxter, of Kettering, County Commissioner for Wolf Cubs, representing the County Scout Council and the Kettering and District Local Association, Assistant District Commissioner R. Roddis (Raunds), and Assistant Scoutmaster R. Fensome. The uniformed guard of honour comprised members of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Newton Bromshold and Chelveston Troops. A group of old Scouts included Messrs. L. B. Smith, F. W. Sharpe, F. W. Tassell, R. A. Knight, F. Frost, P. Thompson, G. E. Morgan, S. James and R. Whiting, with Mrs. I. Waller, a former cubmistress. Among others in attendance were Messrs. F. Tysoe (St. Peter’s and Alfred-street Scouts), H. S. Hall, F. Webb, B. V. Page, A. Prigmore, C. R. Abbott, J. Whiting and S. Saint, Councillor J. H. J. Paragreen, and Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Baxter (Northampton). The wreaths were inscribed as follows: In loving memory, from his sister—At rest; In loving memory, from Mr. and Mrs. H. Pettit, Sylvia, Dorothy, Len and Ethel—Peace, perfect peace; With deepest sympathy, Mr. and Mrs. A. Shortland and John; Loyal anmd helpful, brotherly, courteous and kind—To his memory form Ben Houghton; In kind remembrance of a dear old friend, Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Raunds; With deepest sympathy from the members of the British legion, Rushden Branch; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. F. Tassell; In affectionate remembrance from Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Abbott; In remembrance of our D.C., Rushden Boy Scouts Association; With deepest sympathy from Shink, Tass and Chuck. Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin, Rushden, were the undertakers.