Patrick Powers Preston

1948 - 2024

PATRICK POWERS PRESTON

January 28, 1948 – December 22, 2024

Bakersfield – Patrick Powers Preston was born January 28, 1948 in Bakersfield Ca, to Edward and Margaret Preston. He was the second of six children. He passed away peacefully December 22, 2024, after an eight year journey with Alzheimer's Disease.

Pat attended Saint Francis Elementary, Garces Jr. High, and was a Bakersfield High School (BHS) graduate, who excelled in football and baseball. He then played football and rugby at Stanford and UC Santa Barbara. He received the Sam Lynn Award in 1966, was named Lineman of the Year as an All City Pick in High School, and was honorable mention All-Coast player at Stanford.

In 1972, Pat returned to BHS to teach and coach, left in 1979 to become the head coach at Hanford High School, and also coached at College of the Sequoias from 1983- 1985. Pat took over as BHS head coach in 1986 and coached for 11 years. He became Assistant Principal and later Principal at Liberty High School before retiring in 2010. His individual honors were many, including being inducted into Bob Elias Hall of Fame, Driller Football Hall of Fame, NorCal Coach of the year (1988), Cal High Coach of the Year(1990) and Kern County Rugby Coach/Player 2013 Hall of Fame. He was also selected to Coach NorCal All Star Game and Shriner All Star Game. His BHS 138-38-2 overall record as a football coach is ranked 15th in the CIF Central Section for wins. His 39 game winning streak is tied for the longest in Central Section history and No. 17 all-time in California.

At a Coaching Clinic in 1990, Pat met Cal Lee, coach of St Louis High School in Honolulu. After a beer and lots of talking, they "drew up" an agreement on a cocktail napkin to play each other in the Akina Classic in the Fall 1991 - and the rest was history. The Drillers played the Crusaders in Aloha Stadium on August 31, 1991. Although the Drillers lost..it will be a lasting memory for many.

One of Pat's proudest accomplishments was building the Stadium at Liberty High School in the Fall of 1999. The first in Kern County High School District, to be funded with donations and built by volunteers, he was the driving force to complete the project and dedicate the stadium September 21, 2001.

Pat loved his life after retirement. He and Patty enjoyed traveling abroad and to unexplored states. He spent his time at weekly golf outings, daily walks, watching his sons coach football, and trips to Sacramento to see his granddaughters play soccer. What he treasured most was family time, especially the summer vacations; he was always ready for an adventure. With all of Pat's accomplishments he was extremely humble, except when it came to being a Stanford alumni; in his later years he was never seen without his cardinal hat. He lived in the moment, never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor, and never took himself seriously. I think everyone who knew him, would agree he had an amazing work ethic, whether it was teaching, coaching, or home projects.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 55 years, Patty, sons Nathan (Michele) and Todd, granddaughters Lucy and Malia, brothers Ted and Kelly and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Pat was predeceased by his parents Edward and Margaret Preston, sister Quinn, brothers Michael and Richard.

Pat's life may have ended, but his memory will continue to inspire and motivate all who knew him.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 am at Harvey Auditorium, 1241 G Street.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC.org), or Hoffmann Hospice (hoffmannhospice.org)

www.bakersfield.com/obits