Preston, also lovingly known to his friends as Presto, was born May 15, 1967 in South King County to his Mother Darlene Glidden. He graduated from Interlake in 1985. After high school, he joined the Navy, from which he received an honorable discharge. He then went on to earn his Technical Degree.
Preston worked for a non-profit called Sustainable Renton, that had a message and program he greatly believed in - that message is, to ensure that all community members have access to nutritious food, sustainable resources, and opportunities to engage in meaningful environmental action. He had a number of positions within the organization, from Secretary to Board of Directors and later, as President.
Music and stage was a central part of Preston’s life. He loved being a musician and enjoyed playing the bass, although he played guitar and keyboard as well. While he was never officially in a band, he often entertained the thought of one day joining one and playing at local venues. Preston supported other musicians by doing sound engineering and roadie work starting in his late teens. As a young man, he worked for several famous bands as a local roadie when they toured in Seattle. He worked solely as a freelance live sound engineer a bit later in life.
Preston switched to theater work in 2016, where he worked at Carco Theatre in Renton as their Audio and Lighting Engineer, as well as Relief House Manager and Theater Office Assistant. He loved working for Carco and devoted most of his time as well as his heart and soul into making it a daily success. He worked at Carco until his passing in 2025. He was loved and appreciated by his co-workers and clients and will be greatly missed.
Preston loved taking nature walks. Some of his favorite places to walk were Gene Coulon Park in Renton, Rattle Snake Lake in Issaquah, and Cougar Mountain Regional Park in Issaquah, where he fondly remembered spending a lot of time walking the many beautiful trails as a teenager.
He was an avid lover of sports, and enjoyed watching the Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken. When he wasn’t at home watching the games with his mother prior to her passing, he was happily at Dino’s Pub in Renton, cheering on the Seahawks with friends when time allowed.
Preston was a devoted son who lived with and was the primary caregiver for his sweet mother Darlene until her passing in December of 2024. They were close, and had a loving relationship.
Preston was a wonderful friend who will always be thought of fondly by all who knew him. He was the kind of friend that was always kind, loving and supportive - who was always there to help his friends in any way they needed. He always offered to lend an ear and always had a shoulder to lean on, and always knew just what to say. And it cannot go without mention, that Preston also had the best smile and laugh that will certainly be missed.
In closing, Preston would want you to happily remember the good times spent together, and to celebrate his life rather than mourning his passing.
Preston passed away of natural causes at his home in Renton on December 15, 2025. He was 58 years old.
His obituary can be found here.
