Lost a friend this weekend.
Photo enthusiasts see each other as pals! Little more joy is had than sharing experiences and techniques with fellow photographers. Preston was a true enthusiast. TWIP was a common topic of conversations. He loved to talk about the "lens baby" and lenses and cameras and everything photographic. He would ask me regularly when the photo classes would start. Regular chastisement came my way because of my not backing up my photo's the way he suggested. He did know his business. The best IT guy I've known. Many nights when on the road I would call him at home for help. Never a complaint. He encouraged it!
One of the last conversations we had was about the current photo assignments, i.e. focal point, depth of field, etc. Preston you will be missed....this ones for you!
36 comments:
I didn't know Preston as well as I should have. I have a hard time with that. For almost three years I saw Preston practically every day. We would exchange hello's and that was about it. I really should have taken the time to get to know him better. I know he was a quality man. Thanks for all your help Preston...you have taught me a lesson about myself. I pray that I will take it to heart and do better at being human.
Words are unable to express the staggering and sudden void that is now there, where once Preston occupied. As I type the monitor blurs from tears, as I think of countless wonderful things I knew of this man. I know that platitudes are common for those who have past, but I could not name one negative attribute, action, behavior or words from Preston. He was a pleasure to work with and I count it an Honor to have called him my Friend.
Too often we take for granted of those around us, the common day to day, good morning, hello or wuuzzz up. The small talk to find out whats going on in someone elses life. I just hope that when I say good morning, you all know I really mean it. Preston, you were just one of the many of those around me at work that are my energy drink during the day that would give me that extra lift. I was hoping to get to know you even better out on the lake this summer.
I will make that pledge to someone else so that another chance wont slip away. Preston, I will miss you, and may God bless you and your family.
Tomorrow is not garnteed to anyone.So make sure you tell the ones you love, how much you love them every day.
I can remember the first day I meet Preston, he was a store director in Lake Havasu and little did I know that this young man named Preston would later impact so many lives at Maverik and specifically in our Technology team. It didn't take long to recognize that Preston and I shared a love for the outdoors and adventurous activities and even though we never did cut a wake together we had fun talking on many occasions of the last boating outing or outdoor adventure. Preston I will dearly miss those fun conversations. I don't think we can ever really replace what you meant to the team. I look forward to seeing you again and I'm confident we WILL see you again!
Preston, I admired your sharp mind, your great intelligence. You began your career with us out in the stores and worked one-on-one with many store people to help them. I was one of those people who received your help. You made things that were simple for you understandable for us, yet you never once made any of us feel dumb. I enjoyed talking with you about snowboarding and just seeing how your day was going. I, like so many others, deeply regret not seeing the pain you were in. We would have gladly done anything to comfort you. Rest in peace now knowing we will all miss you very much. Your Friend Nancy
I love you with a mothers love, so sorry for the pain you must have been in, my heart hurts to think of you alone and hurting. You will be with me always, Momma A
I am finding it hard to express the words to describe the person that Preston was. I only really knew him on a professional level but in that time had some great experiences with him. Nobody gave me a worse time for being the fan of BYU that I am then Preston did. Even took the decorating of his work space in cougar blue pretty well. He had his ways of getting back at me though whether it was by installing some boy band screen saver to my laptop when I wasn't paying attention or disabling something stupid that would take me a bit to figure out. Preston was a deep thinker and proved that time and again on our long road trips together for store installs and near death experiences. I guess that is why we stopped installing haha. Preston you will be missed greatly. I feel it a privilege to have been able to learn from you. Your friend and Colleague "whisk"
I remember when I first came down to the office. I was very intimidated by Preston, & his knowledge of computers. When I got assigned to the desk right next to his, I am more than sure I drove him crazy with all my questions. But in his very fun loving way, he never made me feel dumb. Or like I couldn't ask him a question. He really took the time to teach me things. He was such a wonderful person, with a love for life. It really is a tragedy that this has happened. Like others have said, it sure makes you look at your own life/interaction with others in a different way. It truly was a pleasure knowing/working with such a great person. He will be greatly missed by all.
I hope im not out of line for putting a blog up where I did not know him, I am new here so i did not get the pleasure of meeting preston and have heard so many good things about him. My heart goes out to his family andfriends. When I was told about it not knowing who he was made me tear up seeing the pain that everyone close to him was feeling. Im sorry to all his family and friends for thier loss. I know it has affected me and makes me see that life is short and to hold tight to the ones you love in your life.
My thoughts seem to be like some of the others here. I've worked here for 2 years. The first time I meet him was intimidating! I felt like he knew it all, how was I going to be good at my job if I didnt know what he knew! The first time I jabbered him put that issue to bed. He tought me a lot in the short time I knew him. Helpfull in every way! Preston seemed to find your passion and build a friendship on it, computers, Lake powell, boats, photography, or cars. He was always interested in it, made you feel like it was just as important to him as it was to you. He showed that to me when he came to a few of my cars shows, camera in hand!! Thanks Preston for making an impact in my life and job here at Maverik..
Preston, although I was your manager, I always looked up to you. When ever I had to drive down to NSL, you always made it fun. We shared a common interest in pirates and I would always love seeing what new cool desktop picture you found since I had been down last. You were the type of person that would make other peoples problems personal for you. If I couldn't figure something out, I would call you. You were never afraid to jump into something you didn't understand and would figure it out. These are the reasons why we promoted you to a position you were not technically qualified for... I just knew you could figure it out and do it.. and you did. On top of that, you always wanted to be involved in what was going on with the team and truly cared about all of our projects so we made you the team leader. Our team has a tremendous void in it now that I will never be able to replace. We love and miss you and look forward to our reunion someday.
I knew Preston from our routine exchanged pleasantries as he would pass by my office. I got to know him a little more during the company trip to Rio. I know him to be a genuinely nice and thoughtful person. But above all, he was a kind and helpful person. Many a time when I had personal computer problem, he would never say no. He would take it home and bring it back fixed in a day or two. In my last count, I owed him about 5 lunches. And every time I asked him, he would wave me off and say "later." I am sorry that I never insisted him on cashing those lunches. Maybe I could find out the anguish he was in. Just maybe... May God bless Preston and his family. May he finally find peace. I will miss you, Preston.
From the day I met Preston I instantly knew we would be friends. We shared a love of boating and the great outdoors. Every Monday morning we would talk about the many adventures from the weekend before. I wish there was more I could have done in his time of need, but it has made me realize that life is short and should not be taken for granted. Preston you truly will be missed! My prays go out to you and your family.
Preston was a real bright spot here at Maverik. As I look back at the times he came into our department, I found myself finding an excuse to keep him here a little longer to just chat and joke around. He seemed to follow up most comments with that little laugh of his. I'll miss him. I know he will get the chance to read all these post and know how much he will be missed. See ya Presto.
I knew Preston very well and worked side by side with him for many years. When ever I had a problem in my life I always knew he would be there for me. Wish he would have let me be there for him. I will miss the day to day joking that we did between us every time we seen each other. There is a big void in my life now that no one will ever be able to replace. I will never forget you Preston. You are one of my best friends and always will be. Until we meet again you will always be in my thoughts. Thank You for everything.
I remember interviewing with Preston and knowing that he was the glue that held everything together. Preston, you were the guy who knew every nuance for every process... from snow build-up causing satelite latency to the melting point of a sound card.
I knew I could call you at 3am for help with anything and you would be groggy but happy to help.
You made everything fun at Maverik, from Mesquite to PCI audits.
There is a giant emptiness in me that used to be filled with pirates, obscure trivia, patriots, an insatiable laugh and most importantly you.
Over a year ago I was in over my head preparing the Brazil trip. I cannot tell you how many people were deciding which trip to take based on which trip Presto and Teri were going to be on.
Preston had a love for life and everything he could do in this life especially if it was outdoors.
He was my friend and my IT Supporter. He had a strength that he portrayed that to most of us was unbreakable.
At a time when I needed that strength he taught it to me. I do wish I could have returned the favor.
Preston will always be Amazing to all of us that knew him. He will forever remain in our memories and hearts.
I agree with Lynn, I too believe that we WILL see you again.
Thank you Preston for the gift we all received.....
~You.
Early on Preston and I hit it off, I liked his ability and desire to learn. We would talk about boating, his crazy wrist problem and technology. He wanted to learn everything that he could. And he did it well.
I saw his ability and envited him into the Network Services group. He was a great person with a great skill and loved life.
He also was very good with people at a time when we struggled with perception. I knew that he would help drive the image of great customer support and that we loved to teach and guide people with their problems.
He would frequently talk about his wife, and it breaks my heart to learn of this. I took it very hard and meandered through the countrysides of Wisconsin pondering this situation. I can barely hold in the emotions that I feel. Preston, I will miss you.
Sometimes we see change and think that nothing will change, that as we move on, the things we leave behind are truly not left behind. With the loss of Preston, It has forced me to be reminded that I left behind friends. Ones that I miss dearly.
The day will come that we meet again, with your perfect wrist that won't crack.
Your friend,
~Travis
Preston....what can I say..never would to thought you were in any pain, every time I would come acrossed you...you would always have a smile on your face...Preston you will be missed and loved forever I'm sorry that we never really talked as much as I would have liked...with much loves may you rest in peace we will never forget you!!!!
I am learning there are so many things I didn't know about Preston. We would chit chat every time our paths crossed about his recent adventures boating or whatever else he had been up to but I had no idea he was into photography nor the pain he was going through. That goes to show that there is always so much more we don't know about people. Preston was always open to chat about whatever and help out with anything I needed help with. He was so good at what he did and always quick to help. I will definitely miss teasing him about being from a small town that was a rival to the small town I am from. I will also miss not hearing anyone call me A.B. and not having anyone to call P.R. and give "bones" to with our fists as we pass. Thanks for all of the memories you have left me with. I pray your family and friends can always remember what a great individual you were. I know I will.
For the last seven years I have worked with Preston in his assignment in the IT department. In that time he demonstrated a great talent for his job, and a great capacity to care for those he worked with. I have often called from my work station, "Preston" and the response was always the same, "Hi, I'm Preston." He always knew what to do, and performed his work with kindness and a real desire to serve. I have appreciated his keen mind, his pleasant attitude, and his sense of humor. In hearing of his passing, I was moved at the emptiness I felt. Only then did I appreciate how important he was in my life. My prayers and wishes go out to his family. We thank you for giving us Preston and hope that his memory will always bring a smile from a tear. We will see you on the other side my friend. Lynn R.
Preston You will be missed dearly!!! I have had the pleasure of working with you and being a part of my personal life as well! Makenzie says to tell you she will miss giving you hugs!! Rest in peace and we will see you again one day! Love You! YOU ARE AWESOME!
Mornings at Maverik usually involved hanging out at Prestons desk. He was immediately and completely likeable. Everybody that knew him understands that. His funny observations about people and the world mixed well with his no BS persona and thinking.
There are two basic types of people in this world. There are those who draw people to them with their innate charisma and humour and love for life and .. well... there are the rest of us. Preston Rowley was definitely the former.
In hindsight I should have emailed him more. I should have invited him snowboarding. I should have kept in touch better.
All that haunts me now. I'm sorry man.
My heart goes out to his family and friends in this time.
I had the opportunity to work with Preston for the last 7 years. We went on many roadies together doing upgrades and installs and had an awesome time. I still think you and I hold the record for an RPOS install. So fun to be around and kept me laughing the whole time. I will miss you Preston!!!!!!! Rest in peace my friend.
God Bless friends and family!
I knew Preston pretty good and worked with him for many years off and on.I will miss being able to joke around on the golf course with him every time we would play and it was a good thing that I always had extra golf balls for him. Until we meet again you will always be in my thoughts. Thank You for everything you taught me a lot about the world of computers.
Chris S
As a technically challenged individual who frequently sent an S.O.S. to Preston, I am grateful for his humor, patience, and expertise that quickly made functional what was non-functional. The bonus with Preston was the brief sunshine that he brought with him on his mission of mercy. Beyond that, were the brief discussions of relationship and leadership principles and his desire to explore them more deeply and to share them with others. What a marvelous young man! We all had so much more to explore with him and assumed that we would have the opportunity to do do. Until another time and place. God bless you and your loved ones.
The world has suffered a tremendous loss by loosing Preston at such a young age. I didn't get to know him that well since I have only worked for Maverik a year and a half. But the times he was in the payroll department were fun and he was so helpful and he had a certain charm about him that just drew you towards him. I loved it when I needed help and he would take over my computer from his desk and flip in and out of all different things so fast it was amazing! Then he would have me log back in and everything was fixed or added or whatever I needed was taken care of. There is a phrase that say's "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." I so wish I would have known the pain Preston was dealing with so maybe I could have been there for him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Preston's family at this time and in the day's to come. Preston was very loved and will be extremely missed!
I still can't believe you are gone Preston. I will never forget the times we shared, from the times you would come into the store in the morning to the last few times we would chat at the front desk. ( Even the times I would bug you about your boxes ) You were a great friend to me. Thank you for all you have done for me. I can't wait to see you again! I love you. Molly M
Preston- I can't say it enough WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!!! Forgive us all for not being there when you needed it most! Thanks for all the great memories we made together you truly are one of a kind and the world was a better place with you in it!!! Always remember you are in our hearts forever and we were so blessed to have shared the time we did together!! RIP and until we meet again watch over all of us!!!-The Lee Family
I will certainly miss the years of just sitting and talking with Preston. We had a common interest in "old hotrod cars". We would visit and exchange pictures of cars whenever Preston was in my Region working stores or when I was at the Salt Lake office or we would just simply call each other about an old car we saw. It is really interesting that in Life, you enter into so many wonderful friendships with people like Preston. These valued friendships should never be taken for granted. I will sincerely miss "HotRod" Preston.
I still remember the day Preston came into our group...it was during the years we were living on the road installing our new registers and POS did not mean Point Of Sale. Barely enough time on Sunday to do laundry before we went for another week and then take all of the added support calls. We would of hired anyone but we were all fortunate enough to find Preston. Who would of guessed someone from that rest-stop town half way to St. George would of been able to help us out as much as he did both in work and life. We will all miss you "P", but will hold the fondest memories of those WWF hotel matches, the late night hot tub laughs as we watched squirrel "Google eye" everything, the constant computer and office pranks you played (being the genius you were), your everyday smile but more importantly the help and support you offered me. And about the record time...we know the truth, that was the site the first cable tie was cut to repair something and the entire install sprung apart like a bad garage door spring! You will be greatly missed. Heaven just recruited a great man!
Preston was a car guy. We shared car stories and he was always interested on what Cadillac project I had going on in my garage. I can remember him telling me many times of a Caddy he found for sale in his travels that I needed to check out. I will miss swapping our car stories. He was a great guy and will be missed.
We miss you everyday. Rob at Radiant said it best the other day - "Preston was a fine gentleman". We will get rid of DSS for you ! God bless your friends and family and may you be in a better place.
What to say at a time like this? I only met Preston a couple of times, but it sounds like he was an awesome person. I just want to say that he was such a tremendous help whenever we had computer issues at the store level. You could tell that he knew what he was doing and loved his job. He was such a friendly and patient person. My prayers go out to his family and friends. He truly will be missed!
"Friends"
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus
http://www.imeem.com/kalehuamakan0e/music/jmOMwuwT/na-leo-pilimehana-friends/
Just want to start by expressing my grattitude and thankfullness for such an amazing man. I knew Preston from working for Maverik a few years back. When I first started he always went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He never walked by without a frindely hello. I got to know Preston pretty well. What a smart individual. I always wanted his smarts. He has taught me so many things. Preston always put a smile on face when I was feeling down or when I needed a freind he was there! Thank YOU for that! Preston you will be so very missed what a wonderful man you are! My thoughts are always with you! As well as with your family! With all my LOVE ~ Ashlee ~
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