Obituary of Keith A. Preston

Keith A. Preston Unadilla, NY Keith A. Preston, 49 of Unadilla passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at his home with his loving family at his side. Keith was born in Cooperstown on July 21, 1960, the son of Lee Preston and Bessie (Gill) Preston of Hartwick. Keith was a graduate in the Class of 1978 at Cooperstown Central School where he was an "ace" pitcher on the Varsity Baseball team. Keith married his devoted wife and soul mate, Nancy (Jayne) Dattel in a private ceremony on April 5, 2009. Keith and Nancy renewed their vows in a ceremony at their home in the presence of their family and close friends on July 11, 2009. Keith will be remembered by all that knew him as a great storyteller, and a man with a wonderful sense of humor that he kept intact right until his passing. Keith was an avid sports fan; some might even say a "fanatic". He especially enjoyed watching his Boston Red Sox, Denver Broncos, and NASCAR Racing, rooting Matt Kenseth to the front of the pack each week. He also enjoyed local dirt track racing and the local softball league. Keith had a great love of the outdoors. He was a skilled deer hunter and fisherman. One of his favorite outdoor activities was horse back riding with the love of his life, Nancy, and their yellow lab, Goldie. Beyond Keith's interests in sports and the outdoors, he knew how to play a 'mean' game of chess, and was quite knowledgeable in the world of trivia. Keith left an impression on all who knew him and will bring a smile to their face each time they think of him. Keith is survived by: His loving wife, Nancy Preston Unadilla His daughter of whom he was very proud, Amy Preston Windsor Locks, CT His parents, Lee and Bessie Preston Hartwick Brother, Jeff Preston and his wife Meg Hartwick Sister, Janet Preston and her companion Tim McLean Hartwick Sister, Pam Preston and her companion Ronnie Moore Hartwick Nephew and niece, Tyler and Kate Preston Hartwick Aunt, Darlene (John) Lance of Oneonta, Uncle, Kevin (Ella) Preston of Middlefield, Uncle, Evan Preston of Hartwick and Uncle David Preston Several cousins Stepchildren: Wendy and James Merican, Eric and Donna Schriver and Sarah and Jason Upole Grandchildren: Brenden, Jason, Jr., Kaylin, Madison, Julie and Joshua Keith was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Kay and Jerry Tarbox, his paternal grandparents, Clara and Charlie Preston and his uncle, Harold Gill. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Keith loved sports and the outdoors. He would have wanted others to have similar experiences. In honor of this love his family has established a fund to help others achieve this. Contributions may be made to the Benefit of Keith Preston and sent to the Leatherstocking Regional Credit Union 24 Glen Ave. Cooperstown, NY 13326 Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.