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Honorable Preston Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Honorable Preston
Susan Isabella Sheehan
May 28, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to George's family. Although I was a young child when I knew him, I will always remember him to be a kind and gentle fellow. My father, Lawrence Sheehan, met George when he was fresh out of law school.
They shared a love of artifacts, especially old bottles, and would spend many Saturdays exploring areas of Phoenix that they knew they could dig for hours, and my father brought home many treasures.
When George would come to visit us my mother would sing 'George of the Jungle' as he pulled up in front of our house on Missouri Avenue in his Volkswagen Bug. Fond memories for sure.
Claire Plaisted
November 3, 2022
My condolences. I didn't realise George had passed over. I had contact with him over our Plaisted genealogy. He was a lovely man and gave me a lot of infomation. It would be lovely to reconnect with family, espeically if they are interested in family history
Love and hugs to all
Claire Plaisted
Julie Warner
May 15, 2021
Thanks to everyone who has shared or expressed their condolences here. It’s been a rough year in so many ways, for so many people. Never did I think my daughter and I would both lose our dads in the same year. Reading your recollections of our dad makes us smile. His quirky humor and his kindness seem to be the characteristics that are most mentioned. At some point Gaby and I plan to have a celebration of life service for him for family and friends, and we hope you can all come. We will be sure to post the date here when we get it figured out. Will most likely be in the Fall so we can gather in the great outdoors that he loved so much! Thank you again for taking the tine to remember him here.
Jay Papish
May 13, 2021
OMG.. great memories of a good man!!
Stephen Coleman
March 20, 2021
George was my buddy. He lived in our condo complex on Granite Reef Rd in Scottsdale. He got me into weight lifting and working out which helped tremendously in my football career. We pulled of some great pranks on our neighbors which did get us into trouble. I was the life guard at the pool teaching all the kids how to swim. George co signed on my first Master Card with a $500 limit. He helped me get a job at Doctors pet center while I was in college. He truly helped shape my life. He was my buddy!
Steve Coleman
Raychel Passey
December 28, 2020
George..Veronica, Julie and Gaby what and how can you sum up such and amazing man in just a condolence. It's been many years since I have seen him but growing up in the court as a little girl till my teens Wednesdays and Fridays were my favorite times at Cave creek municipal. I looked forward to his stories and daily challenges of questions and interpretations. I was always quiet humored by his antics. He was brilliant and just a very genuine man. He taught me alot and always had such knowledgeable stories. Im very sorry for your loss. May his stories and memories create a solace for your hearts to heal. With immense sympathy and gratitude. God bless your family.
Barbara Burns
December 14, 2020
Dear Veronica, Julie and Gaby: I was very saddened to hear about George/your Dad’s passing. What a great man he was. It was always an honor to call him a long time friend. I met George/your Dad in the early 80’s when he was a pro-temp Judge then became City Judge of Scottsdale. I was very fortunate to have worked with him as the court administrator.
He was so smart, articulate, insightful,
funny and kind. He always loved his daughters and was very proud of you both. He certainly adored Veronica as well.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of a truly wonderful, honorable gentleman, husband, father and dear friend.
Barbara Burns
Scottsdale
Gaby Preston
December 13, 2020
❤ YOU, DAD. I’ll see you in my dreams.
https://youtu.be/DF1vDXI1BJM
Betsy Ballard
December 12, 2020
I'm so sorry for the loss of your father Julie. I hope you and your family find peace in the wonderful memories you have together. Love and peace to you all. xo
Gregg Woodnick
December 11, 2020
I tried my first jury trial in front of Judge Preston in Scottsdale. It was far from the trial of the century, but a first jury trial is always unforgettable to a new lawyer. I will forever appreciate how encouraging George Preston was to me those days in trial and how kind he was in the decades after when I would see him in court and around our community.
Gregg Woodnick
December 11, 2020
I tried my first jury trial in front of Judge Preston in Scottsdale. It was far from the trial of the century, but a first jury trial is always unforgettable to a new lawyer. I will forever appreciate how encouraging George Preston was to me those few days in trial and how kind he was in the decades after when I would see him in court and around our community.
Marcy
December 10, 2020
I'm saddened to see that Judge Preston has passed. I testified in his court many times, many years ago, and always appreciated his common sense, sense of humor, and direct (sometimes scathingly so) approach to "blockheads." Rest in peace, Judge Preston.
Eric J. Halvorson
December 9, 2020
Requiescat in pace, Judge Preston.
Julie
December 8, 2020
Miss you every single day, daddy...
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