Daniel Lee Preston (September 21, 1976-April 19, 2022) died in Prescott, Arizona after a long illness.  He was 45 years old.  Daniel was born in Provo, Utah to Gary and Susie Preston. Daniel spent his formative years in Orem, Utah.  He attended Orem High School and Utah Valley University.  Daniel was a member of the Navajo Nation and proudly embraced his heritage.  Daniel traveled extensively throughout his life and spent time in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, California, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Boston, to name a few.

Daniel was the third child in his family.  He had two older siblings and three younger siblings.  Daniel was a beloved member of his family.  He was always available to talk and keep family and friends company.  He was generous with his time and material possessions.  His brilliance, curiosity, and open-faced friendliness were apparent from the time he was young and became defining characteristics of his personality.

When Daniel was starting elementary school his mother, Susie, was worried that he would be too shy to participate in class, so she placed a string of cedar beads around his neck and told him that they were "smart beads", and they would help him in school. Since then, he always had a fondness for cedar beads and often would wear them throughout his life. The "smart beads" served him well.  Daniel often represented his school in academic and chess tournaments, winning top honors both at Canyon View Junior High and Orem High School.

Daniel excelled in Chess, Geography, History, and was well-read in a variety of subjects.  He could often be found engrossed in books on philosophy, math, history, politics, civics, strategy, and general knowledge.  He expressed a gift at making connections and perceiving nuances in world events.

Daniel never suffered through a dull moment.  He prized games that required strategy and was always up for a round or two of just about any game you played with him.  Chess, of course, was his game of choice. But, he also was up for a good game of Scrabble or cards if that was to hand.  In his younger years he could be found engaged in board games wtih family or role-playing games (i.e., Dungeons and Dragons) with friends.  His life was full of hobbies and interests.  He loved reading, science fiction, kung-fu movies, art-house & indie films, music festivals, and dancing.  He held a curiosity for legends, myth, folklore, and conspiracy theories. A night owl by nature, his hobbies and games often kept him awake until the sun peeked over the mountains. He appreciated fine art, street art, and all forms creative expressions.  This was best reflected in his personal style of dress, hair, and the variety of hats he would adopt from time to time.

Daniel made friends wherever he went, and he went a lot of places.  His affable nature made him easy to get along with.  His wit and knowledge made his conversations lively, topical, and thought-provoking.  His profound empathy made him a great listener and confidante.  His distinctive charm made him both unforgettable and irreplaceable.  Daniel is deeply missed by his family and friends.

Daniel Lee Preston, is survived by his mother, Susie Jean Preston of Orem, Utah, his brothers, David Lavar. Preston (Heidi) Ligouri of Phoenix, Arizona. Samuel Lynn. Preston of San Diego, California and his sisters Sarah Sue Preston of Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth Jean (John) Crandell Preston of Orem, Utah, and Rachael Leigh (Jason) Anderson nee Preston of Portland, Oregon.  Daniel is also survived by his 6 nieces and 3 nephews. Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Gary Leo Preston.

A Viewing will be held on May 11, 2022, 10:00-11:00 A.M. Mountain Standard Time, at Norvel Owens Mortuary 914 E Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona 86001. Services and burial will follow at 2:30 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, near Gap, Arizona.