WINTERPORT – Benjamin Raymond Preston, 26, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 2, 2007. Ben was born Oct. 10, 1980, the son of Raymond D. Jr. and Patricia F. (Perkins) Preston. Ben was a 1999 graduate of Hampden Academy. During his high school career, Ben was involved with baseball and football for four years, winter track for three years, as well as, baseball and the Leadership group for one year. While competing in indoor track, he broke two school records in the 400-meter run and the 4 X 200-meter relay during the 1998-99 school years. In football, Ben rushed over 1000 yards for three consecutive years. He was, also, a key player on the 1998 football team that was state runner-up in Class B football. After high school, Ben went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business at the University of West Georgia. After college, he enjoyed himself and was currently working with his brother at Wellman Paving. Ben will be remembered as an honest, sincere, and extremely hard worker. Ben is survived by his parents, Raymond Jr. and Patricia Preston of Winterport; one brother, Scott Preston and his wife, Elizabeth and their children, Ryleigh and Evander “E Town,” of Newburgh; one sister, Samantha Preston and her son, Jacob “Jake the Snake,” of Corinth; nephews, Dylan and Logan of Jackson and Winterport; his paternal grandparents, Raymond Sr. and Glenda Preston of Winterport; aunts and uncles, Paul and Lynn Perkins and their children, Timmy and TJ, of Georgia, Dennis and Laura Preston and their children, Jennifer and Justin, of Hampden, Deb and Ron Mansell and family, of Hampden, Mark and Angela Pickoski and children, of Prospect, and Stephen Preston of Winterport. Ben was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Paul Perkins Sr. and Wilma Lawless; as well as, his great-grandfather, Evander Harriman. Friends and family are invited to visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Friday with the Chaplain Richard Dickinson. Family and friends are invited to visit 2 p.m. Friday until the time of service. Interment after the funeral will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Winterport. A continued time of remembrance and refreshments will be held after the interment at the home of James and Gayle Conley, 66 Main Road South, Hampden. Memorial contributions in Ben’s memory may be made in support of his nieces’ and nephews’ college, something Ben found to be most important, to Patty Preston, P.O. Box 314, Winterport, ME 04496. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
BENJAMIN R. PRESTON
