George Preston Pierce, Jr.

George "Preston" Pierce, Jr., born 1949 in Pueblo, Colorado to George and Irene Pierce, passed peacefully in Boulder surrounded by family on January 2, 2023.

Preston truly embodied what it means to be a servant leader and dedicated his life to family, community, and church. His service to the church included being an elder, teacher, bible study leader and preacher. He was a humble, kind, and genuine soul with a great sense of humor who was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone, even if they didn't ask.

In addition to being a wonderful father who loved bragging about his two children Phillip and Christy, Preston also served as an honorary father and grandfather to many around the world. He cherished his role supporting friends, family, and strangers as a volunteer tutor, babysitter, car mechanic, lawn mower, snow shoveler, handyman, and mentor. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his brand new grandson, Yara, who we know will grow up hearing countless stories about his legendary Grandfather Preston.

He had a successful career that in many ways began in the 1970's as a counselor, recruiter, and summer camp director at his beloved community-based youth service organization Shiloh in New York. It was there where Preston met many of his lifelong friends and his wife Janet. Those 6 years at Shiloh impacted him so deeply that almost everything reminded him of that time and his vivid and endless stories about it made others feel like they were there as well.

After moving to Boulder in the 1980's with Janet, he worked as an electrical engineer, manager, and leader at dozens of companies where he helped develop innovative products including early versions of the respirator and pulse oximeter - both used to support Preston in his final hours.

Like a good native Coloradan, Preston loved the outdoors, biking, skiing, swimming, and camping. He ran the Bolder Boulder over 25 times including after open-heart surgery, and this year with his 99-year old father. He enjoyed travels and adventures that exposed him to new sights, food and cultures.

Preston will be remembered for his radiant smile, contagious laugh, warm hugs and rare gift of making everyone feel welcome and safe. He was an engaged listener and encouraged everyone to be the best version of themselves without passing judgment.

He is survived by his 99 year-old parents George and Irene, wife of 44 years Janet, son Phillip (Roxana), daughter Christy, grandson Yara, sisters Mary and Linda (Alan), brother Craig (Judy) and 8 nieces and nephews.

Words will never capture all that he meant to his family and community.