Richard "Dick" Preston

Richard “Dick” Preston, aged 72, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Thursday, May 31, 2024, at his family’s homestead in Gibson Flats.

Dick was born on October 15, 1951, in Great Falls to parents Harry and Helen Preston. Dick attended school at the Ursuline Academy through the 8th grade, graduating from Great Falls Central Catholic High School in 1970. He married Anita DeAngelis with whom he had his only child, daughter Danielle, who he always called “Dani.” Dick enlisted in the Air Force and moved to Las Vegas, NV, but after the marriage ended, he moved back to Great Falls with Dani and started classes at Montana State University, graduating with a master’s degree in Art.

Dick worked as an artist across many mediums, specializing in acrylic portraits and wildlife, eventually opening a shop designing custom logos and designs for local businesses. He also worked as a bartender at the Sting for almost 20 years before retiring in 2021. In his younger years, Dick enjoyed sports with his family, including playing on a fastpitch softball team with his 7 brothers. He also enjoyed his fantasy football league, golf, and bowling. Dick’s family really enjoyed his sense of humor and listening to entertaining stories of growing up in a family of 12 brothers and sisters, and of the people he served and worked with at the bar. His life sometimes sounded like an episode of “Cheers.”

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Helen, and his brother, Mike.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Dani (Preston) Rubino and husband, Chad; two granddaughters, Darby Rubino and Shelby Rubino-Wodrich and husband, William; six brothers, Pat Preston and wife, Barb, Butch Preston and wife, Cathy, Tom Preston and wife, Marlene, Bill Preston and wife, Jonna, Mark Preston and husband, Dominic, Tim Preston and wife, Carla; four sisters, Esther Shryne, Susie Lee, Deb Brown and husband, Steve, and Ellie LiQue; sister-in-law, Nadine Preston; and many, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A viewing will be held on June 25, 2024, at Schnider Funeral Home from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.