Daniel Lee Preston

Daniel Lee Preston (September 21, 1976-April 19, 2022) died in Prescott, Arizona after a lengthy illness. He was 45 years old. Daniel was born in Provo, Utah to Gary and Susie Preston. Daniel spent his formative years in Orem, Utah. He attended Orem High School and Utah Valley University. Daniel was a member of the Navajo tribe and proudly embraced his heritage. Daniel traveled extensively throughout his life and spent time in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Las Vegas, and Arizona to name a few.
Daniel was the third child in his family. He had two older siblings and three younger siblings. Daniel was a beloved member of his family. He was always available to talk or keep friends and family company. He was generous with his time and material possessions. His brilliance, curiosity, and open-faced friendliness were apparent from the time he was young and became defining characteristics of his personality.
When Daniel was starting elementary school his mother, Susie, was worried that he would be too shy to participate in class, so she placed a string of cedar beads around his neck and told him that they were "smart beads," and they would help him in school. Since then, he always had a fondness for cedar beads and often would wear a string of cedar beads throughout his life. The "smart beads" served him well. Daniel was often tasked with representing his school in academic and chess tournaments. Winning top honors in Chess and Geography while he was a student at Canyon View Junior High and Orem High School.
Chess and Geography were not the only subjects that Daniel excelled in. Daniel was well-read in a variety of subjects. Daniel could often be found engrossed in books on philosophy, math, history, politics, civics, strategy, and general knowledge. He was gifted at making connections and perceiving nuances in world events.
Daniel never suffered through a dull moment. He found numerous ways to keep himself entertained and his life was full of hobbies and interests. He loved books, kung-fu movies, indie films, music, dancing, minerals and rocks, vintage t-shirts, chess, Scrabble, role-playing games (i.e., Dungeons and Dragons) and cards. He prized games that required strategy and was always up for a round or two. Daniel was a night owl and his hobbies and games often kept him awake until the sun peeked over the mountains.
Daniel made friends wherever he went, and Daniel went a lot of places. His affable nature made him easy to get along with. His wit and knowledge made his conversations lively, topical, and thought-provoking. His profound empathy made him a great listener and confidante. His distinctive charm made him both unforgettable and irreplaceable. Daniel will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Daniel is survived by his mother, Susie Preston of Orem, Utah, his brothers David (Heidi) Preston of Phoenix, Arizona and Samuel Preston of San Diego, California and his sisters Sarah Preston of Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth (John) Crandell nee Preston of Orem, Utah, and Rachael (Jason) Anderson nee Preston of Portland, Oregon. Daniel is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Gary Preston.
The Viewing will be held on May 11, 2022, at 10:00 AM at the Norvel Owens Mortuary 914 E Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona 86001. The service and burial will follow at 2:00 PM in Gap, Arizona. Details available upon request.
To cover the cost of the funeral and expenses related to Daniel's death, a GoFundMe has been set up in Daniel's name at https://gofund.me/5b6ef4b9