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Harry E. Preston
08/02/1923 — 09/06/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Big Timber, Montana
Harry E. Preston
Harry Preston, 86, passed away September 6, 2009, after complications from diabetes. He was born on August 2, 1923, to James and Cora Preston in Sweet Grass County, MT, near the town of Big Timber. He was one of six children. He graduated from Park County High School in Livingston, MT, in 1942.
After high school, he was drafted into the US Army and served in World War II from April 1943 to January 1946 in Cannon Company, 128th Infantry, 32nd Division in the Philippines where he drove a tank. He was awarded a bronze star among other campaign medals.
In 1948 he married Sigrid Boe of Big Timber, MT married until 1987. He moved to Richland in 1951 to work at the Hanford Site and retired after 36 yrs as a radiation monitoring supervisor in Health Physics at Westinghouse.
Harry took pride in his home and loved tending his yard and garden. He inherited his green thumb from his father. He enjoyed boating on the Columbia River, traveling, and entertaining with friends and family.
He was a Mason and a very active member of the Columbia Basin Shrine Club. He was a past president and also served as a captain of the Desert Patrol. He often drove children to Spokane for their appointments at the Shrine Hospital, a task he was very honored and humbled to do.
Harry was a gentle, loving man who rarely forgot a name or a face. He was always quick with a laugh, a smile, or a helping hand. He will be missed greatly by all those fortunate enough to have known him.
His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Cora Preston, his sister Jeanette Dick Frost, brother Bill Hazel Preston, and sister June Tom Harris.
He is survived by his children Mark Preston, Pasco, WA, and Linnea Preston, Marysville, WA; his beloved partner of 18 yrs Jane Cook and her children Neil Parks, Boulder City, NV, Jack Parks, Richland, WA, and Tedi Hobbs, Fort Worth, TX, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother Eugene Serena Preston, Richland, WA; his sister Mae Kjarmo, Big Timber, MT; and several nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be Thursday, September 10, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Einan's Funeral Home. Burial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009, at Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen Blvd. Family and friends are welcome to enjoy a luncheon celebration at the Richland VFW Post 7952, 1369 George Washington Way following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice.
Dear Mark, Linnea, Jane and extended family;
I was so sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. I think back to all the great times we had at the boat dock, Hydroplane races, and knowing I had a Godfather that cared. Just know that my heart is saddened and that my prayers are with all of you at this time.
Love, Yvonne
I will always remember visiting Richland in the summers with my sister and how much fun we had with Grandpa Gene and Uncle Harry. His witt and charm will be missed.
For the Family of Harry E. Preston
From the Kennewick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
There are no words to express the sorrow of losing a loved one. It is a pain that only time will heal. While we did not know Harry personally, as DAR members, we honor his commitment to our country and his service in its defense. The DAR strongly supports our nation’s military, and we recognize the personal sacrifice that each member gives, as well as their families.
To that end, we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and prayers of comfort. We thank you for Harry’s service, and his sacrifice to our country.
May God bless you and comfort you as you remember just how very special Harry was to his family, and his country.
In grateful remembrance,
The members of the Kennewick Chapter DAR
Our sincere condolences.
So sorry to hear about Harry’s passing, Our thoughts & prayers are with you all today.
One special memory:
Linnea, remember teaching us Bogner kids to water ski? We drank our share of the Columbia for sure. You and your dad what patience! But eventially we learned to ski. Thanks!
I’m sure you all will miss dad very much, as will many.
Our Love to you all,
Joanne & Paul
Eric and I dropped in on Harry and Janie several times on our travels through Richland, and we always enjoyed our visits with them. Harry was always positive, welcoming, and always had a joke or 2 to tell. He would always share a good story, and he was a joy to spend time with. Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry’s family.
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Harry E. Preston