"I'm Lewis Preston's friend from el Toro high, Yvonne polanco ( blanpied)."
In loving memory of
John Andrew Preston
December 18, 1945 - August 19, 2014
John Andrew Preston, age 68, passed away on August 19th, leaving a large void in this world to fill. He succumbed to his battle with cancer 16 months after diagnosis.
He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a self-made man. John served his country as a member of the Air Force, reaching the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on August 12, 1970. He had an entrepreneurial spirit with a customer-centric philosophy that built several successful businesses and lived life on his own terms.
Always a fighter, he loved racing, working with his hands and anything mechanical. He enjoyed his cars and motorcycles and was a force to be reckoned with off and on the drag strip. He is survived and will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 49 years, Sally; two sons he was so proud of, Lewis Q. Preston and Andrew John Preston; beautiful grandchildren, Chloe, Addison, and Leyton; and a host of extended family and friends. Per his wishes, his family will celebrate John's life in the near future with a party in his honor.
In lieu of flowers or cards, it was John's wish that donations to Smoky Mountain Home for Children or the American Cancer Society be made in his name. Gentry Griffey Funeral chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Preston family, and invites you to view and sign the guestbook below.
Tributes
"John, l must say you were probably one of the most interesting people l ever made. l know your family met everything to you but so did the quality and customer service that went into Bushtec Trailers. My hat is off to you, may you find peace in the arms of your heavenly father."
"John, you were a good man and are now in a good place. We will always remember you and the help you gave us. You will be missed."
"1st Met John in 1998 in Milwaukee at the Harley Homecoming. Hooked up many times thereafter at the Hoot and in Daytona. A real gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. I just learned last week in Daytona of his passing and was truly saddened. My Deepest Condolences to both Sally and Andrew who I had the pleasure of meeting also to the remainder of the family. God Speed John, Rest in Peace Friend. Bill Emilius, Sarasota Florida"
"A great person to talk to at Americade for over 15 years. I have enjoyed John's trailer and products. He always treated me and my friends well. May God bless his soul and family. E.R. Knight Montclair, NJ"
"So sorry for your loss ."
"I met John in the 60's when he moved to Cedar Lake Indiana. Now that was a neighbor to have. John and I attended high school together, did all the things high school pals do together. Cars, cars and more cars. Not much of a budget then but what a great time with a great friend. Committed dad and family man. So glad to have known you and Sally. Class act all the way!"
"My life if better because I had many conversations with John Preston. What a great guy. You never doubted what his thoughts were about trailers, business, family and all other matters. Made for some very very enjoyable times. First met him and spent time with him in Bulldog's (Shinhopples) garage. At the time I was pulling an Aluma trailer. Made for some great exchanges. I'm proud to say that I am now puling one of John's beloved Bushtec's. I never doubted that he made a great product and it was only a matter of time until I saw the light and found one for me. My sincere condolences to Sally, Lewis and Andrew, and the rest of his family, all of whom I've met and enjoyed spending time with. John will surely be missed dearly by his family, but they will be able to remember what great guy he was and how he filled they're lives. I'll remember John every time I hook up my Bushtec and enjoy all of the great work John did to provide us with such a great product. The quality of his trailers matches the quality of the man; absolutely top notch."
"I met John in Laguna Nigel,Ca.when he owned "Custom Touring Design" back in 1987,we developed a friendship over the next year and went on several long road trips on the motorcycles with him and Sally and always had a great time as John would plan the trips with places to go and sites to see. John interacted as much as possible with his customers and friends alike and was always great to be around,when he and Sally bought Bushtec in Orland,Ca.they resided in in the town of Chico,Ca...Terrie and I ended up moving there on a whim about 9 months later and also lived in Chico for about a year before moving on to Utah,but during that year there we helped with the business when they needed help or just for something to do and I would go on the road with john as his roadie...we had some great times together during that period before he moved the business to Tennessee. John was a good husband and adored Sally and loved both his sons greatly....we have all lost a great friend...May you rest in peace now John. Douglas & Terrie Schelin"
"For me it all started at Honda Hoot 1995 where I became a part of the Bushtec family. John sold me on the Turbo+2 and just happened to have a pearl white one to match the Wing. A more convincing salesman I have not encountered. John, Sally, Lewis and Andrew always took care of the folks they sold too and made us feel like family. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to John at the rally's and when visiting the factory. To illustrate how much he really cared about his owners, after we bought the Turbo at the Hoot we stopped at the mall on I-640 in Knoxville on the way back home and as it was steaming hot. I parked the rig in the shade far from the mall entrance. Just as we were getting ready to walk away from the bike a crazy man in a Cadillac roared up to us, gave us a ride up the lot and asked us to lunch, his treat. It was John Preston. I was for sure a permanent fan after that. I will remember him fondly and miss him greatly. Sally, Lewis and Andrew. Karen and I are so saddened by the news of his passing and we are thinking of you all. Neil Brown"
"May the road rise to meet you..."