Timothy Fred (Tim) Preston

BURLEY – Timothy Fred Preston, 69, of Burley, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, at The Gables Memory Care of Pocatello II.

Tim was born on December 30, 1955, in Burley, Idaho, to Charles Joseph and Doris Rigby Preston. He grew up in Declo, Idaho, where he learned the value of perseverance through hard work and the rewards of a close-knit community life. Tim graduated from Declo High School in 1974 as the salutatorian and served as the student body president.

Tim was driven and determined. One of Tim’s greatest accomplishments was his family, which began with his wife, Renae Dimond. They met while attending Brigham Young University. In 1981, Tim graduated with a degree in business, and he and Renae were married in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they built a life in Burley and raised their five children. Tim loved his family and took great joy in supporting his children in all their endeavors.

Tim also deeply loved his community. He opened a financial advisory business in Burley, working in the financial industry from 1981 until his retirement in January 2020, earning professional designations as a CLU, ChFC, and CFP. Tim valued his clients and the opportunity to serve them, building many rich and lasting relationships that he cherished. Tim was also passionate about community involvement. As an active member of the Cassia County Republican Party, he served as precinct committee chairman and later as the chairman of the party. He contributed to many local and state elections and served two terms on the Cassia County School Board.

Tim’s commitment to his faith was unwavering. He had a deep testimony and love for his Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ, which guided him to countless opportunities to serve others. He served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Los Angeles Mission from 1975-1977. Tim also held various church callings, including Bishop, Scoutmaster, Stake Young Men's President, and counselor in the Burley West Stake Presidency. Additionally, he served as a temple worker in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple.

Through his church service, Tim became an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He mentored scouts for over 20 years, leading countless overnight outings, annual week-long trips to Camp Bradley, and high adventure backpacking excursions in the Sawtooth mountains. One of his favorite scouting experiences was attending the LDS Relationships Week at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Tim’s dedication to scouting and mentoring youth earned him the distinguished Silver Beaver award from the Snake River Council, the highest honor given by the Council.

Tim found joy in the simple things. He loved learning and reading and took pride in building his personal library. He enjoyed backpacking and fishing, passions he shared with his children. In his later years, he could often be found admiring the sunset each night, finding peace in its beauty.

During his adolescent and early adult years, Tim dealt with health challenges and was immensely blessed by caring and skilled medical professionals. Later, he faced Parkinson's disease and dementia with courage, positivity, and determination. Tim was deeply grateful for his doctors and caregivers, especially the staff at The Gables Memory Care of Pocatello II and Heritage Home Health & Hospice, for their kindness and love.

Tim’s unwavering faith, strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and commitment to his community leave a lasting legacy. He lived a life full of purpose, inspiring all who knew him.

Tim is survived by his wife, Renae Dimond Preston; their five children, Joseph (Sarah) Preston, Samuel (Taylor) Preston, Thomas (Meghan) Preston, John (Hanna) Preston, and Cheri Preston; and his ten beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his four siblings, Stephen (Sharon) Preston, Stanley (Cheryl) Preston, Renee (Henry) Schwendiman, and Josephine (Vernon) Palmer; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Joseph and Doris Rigby Preston; his in-laws, Marion and Harvey Dimond; a sister-in-law, Judy Wilson Dimond; and his grandparents.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Burley West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Ave. in Burley, with Bishop Michael Jeppson officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th St., in Burley and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the church prior to the funeral.

The family requests that you email your favorite story, memory, or thoughts about Tim to sampreston13@gmail.com

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/lrAaOa4EmIs.