Charles Michael “Mike” Preston, 73, of Manchester, passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at his home. Born on October 11, 1945 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Carlton E. “Bud” and Jennette (Baker) Preston. He was the beloved husband of Barbara J. (Redmer) Preston, whom he married February 12, 2008.
Mike was proud of his Hampden roots where he grew up. He was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, class of 1963. He furthered his education receiving a Bachelor… Read More » degree from Western Maryland College in 1967 where he served as junior & senior class president; and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore Law School in 1970.
He was admitted to the Maryland State Bar on December 11, 1970, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland on April 28, 1972, the Supreme Court of the United States of America on November 25, 1974, Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland on May 15, 1984. Mike served as president of the Carroll County Bar Association in 1985 – 86, and has continuously practiced law in Carroll County for 48 years. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge E. O. Weant in Carroll County Circuit Court in 1971 before joining the law firm of Hoffman and Hoffman as an associate in 1972.
In 1976 he became a partner in the firm which was thereafter called Hoffman, Hoffman & Preston. In 1978, the firm merged with the Westminster firm of Hoff & Stoner, to become Hoffman, Stoner, & Preston. He left that firm in January of 1980 to form a new firm with Charles E. Stoner and Richard V. Boswell.
The new firm was Stoner, Preston, and Boswell. He served on the Budget & Finance Committee & then as treasurer of the Maryland State Bar for six years, was a member of the board of governors, and served as President of the Maryland State Bar from June 1998-1999. He later served as President of the Maryland Bar Foundation for two years.
Mike served as Captain in the United States Army, Armor Branch from 1967 – 1976. He also served as a probation officer for the then Maryland Dept. of Juvenile Services from 1967 – 1971.
He was involved with several local organizations where he served on many boards and foundations and was a member of the American Legion Carroll Post 31, the VFW Post 467, and the Elks Lodge 2277. Mike had numerous hobbies. He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed creating and inventing.
He was an avid reader and especially liked historical books- with his vast knowledge of history many would consider him to be a walking history book. Mike loved the outdoors; whether it was spending time outside at his home in Manchester working in the yard, or at his home in Deep Creek Lake water skiing and building. He loved downhill skiing and shared many great times on the slopes with his friend Charlie Stoner.
He was fond of his boat, “The Henry Redmer” and enjoyed sailing at the lake. He was great at debating and Mike enjoyed the many times spent meeting his friends at Paradiso, AKA “The Club”. He was a great friend to many.
Mike loved Christmas & would always soak, bake, and slice a country ham with his secret recipe. He would add to that gallons of his famous oyster stew, and beaten biscuits. To wash it all down he’d make gallons of Bloody Marys and share it all with his friends & family.
When he was young he spent many summers working at the Baltimore Colts summer training camp at Western Maryland College as their ball boy. Surviving him in addition to his wife are stepsons Erik K. Brown of Arvada, CO and Zach H. Brown, of Hanover, PA; brother-in-law Bill H. Redmer of Manchester; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bruce W. and Patricia Redmer of Manchester; and cherished dogs Cosmo and Jumbles. The family will welcome friends on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 2 to 7pm at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Rd, Westminster.
A Celebration of Mike’s life will be on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Kriders United Church of Christ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to either Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave.
, Westminster MD 21157 or, The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) https://www.
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