Gary Harland Preston

Born December 3, 1942 in Medford, Massachusetts. Gary bravely fought a 5 year battle with cancer and peacefully made transition on May 29, 2008 in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by father, Leon Ray Preston; mother, Marjorie Leighton Preston; brother, Dean Preston; and daughter, Laurie Anne Preston. Survived by his loving wife, Barbara Gagel; her son, Walton; sister, Linda Preston; daughter, Daniela Miron; and grandchildren, Angelique and Anneliese Chaput. Gary has left behind a legacy of good memories, love, and kindness to all he touched. A graduate of Woburn High School, and a student of music at the University of Massachusetts, Gary served in the Army Band while stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. Following his service in the Army, Gary spent several years as a trumpet player in local and traveling bands. He partnered a business, N.E. Speaker Technicians in Stoneham, Massachusetts, from 1980 until his illness in 2003. Gary and his wife, Barbara settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico and lived there happily until his passing. Gary will be remembered for his sense of humor, his passion for sailboarding, his love for Native American art and culture, and his absolute dedication to The Boston Red Sox. Gary was well loved and admired by his family, friends and fellow musicians. He will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held in Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Presbyterian Medical Services Hospice Center in Santa Fe, NM (1400 Chama Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87505) will be appreciated