×

George Duane “Red” Preston

George Duane “Red” Preston, 88, of Lake Placid, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2019.

Red was born in Lake Placid, the son of Oren and Mildred Preston, on March 12, 1931.

He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1949 and spent 45 years working at the A&P grocery store until he retired in 1993.

A popular member of the community, Red worked tirelessly to support his family, always with a smile or a friendly greeting for those he came into contact. In spite of working two jobs, he still managed to find time for his children, coaching baseball and never missing one of his boys’ hockey games. The Preston house was always open to anyone in need of a meal or a good laugh.

When not spending time with his family, Red could be found at his beloved Masonic lodge, where he was a 57-year member and the recipient of many awards of recognition throughout the years.

Red’s love for fishing and hunting was known to everyone. Such a sure shot with a rifle, his hunting partners were often quoted saying, “If you hear a shot from Red’s direction, you’d better go help him with his deer.”

Red is survived by five children, Karen Soper of Lake Placid, Greg Preston (Linda) of Lake Oconee, Georgia, Jeffrey Preston of Braintree, Massachusetts, Christopher Preston (Debra) of Lake Placid, and Timothy Preston (Jody), of Honduras; brother Bernie Preston of Lake Placid; and sister Dorothy Gray of Salamanca. He took great pride in his family and was greatly admired and loved by his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who have also survived him.

Red was predeceased by his wife, Freda Lapoint Preston.

Visitation will be held at the M.B. Clark Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A Masonic Prayer Service followed by funeral services will be held at the Adirondack Community Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. Burial will be at the North Elba Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Lake Placid Lodge Number 834, PO Box 1369, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.