Honorable George Preston

Scottsdale - The Honorable George Preston (April 15, 1933-November 26, 2020)

The Honorable George Preston passed Thanksgiving Day from brain cancer. Preston was a private practice lawyer before becoming a magistrate for Scottsdale and, later, Cave Creek.

Born in Colorado Springs, George was raised by his mother Virginia and grandmother Ada. He joined the Navy at 19 to "see the world" serving aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge during the Korean War. He then attended Phoenix College, ASU and U of A School of Law.

George was the instigator of neighborhood antics with his children Julie and Gaby, a passionate lover of books, art, archeology, history, poetry, motorcycles and the natural world. He frequently said if he hadn't become a lawyer, he would have liked to study forestry.

His family will miss his warm, caring and encouraging spirit; despite his nearly 88 years, he never forgot how to laugh or goof off. He is survived by wife Veronica Valadez of Scottsdale, daughters Julie Warner and Gaby Preston, granddaughter Sophie Warner, half-sister Jan Dunn, many friends whom he adored, and his beloved cat Hannah Tina. Services will be postponed to a later time. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of the Valley.