Preston Wade Degginger

Preston Wade Degginger, 52, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on December 1, 2025. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas, to Timothy and Janet Degginger, and was deeply proud to be their son. 

Preston graduated from Lawrence High School in 1991 and later attended the University of Colorado Boulder. During those years, he worked at Illegal Pete’s, where he formed many cherished, lifelong friendships. He also spent a couple seasons in Vail, Colorado, where he became a talented snowboarder and deepened his love for the mountains. 

In 1999, Preston moved to Seattle and built a career in information technology. More importantly, he built a community of friends who became like family. In 2010, he met his partner, Shawn. They quickly knew they had found the love of a lifetime in one another.  

Preston loved spending time with friends, getting out into nature, snowboarding, hiking, listening to music, and planning the next trip. He and Shawn shared a love of travel and made many unforgettable memories exploring together and with friends. Eventually, their love for the mountains led them to make their home at Snoqualmie Pass, where they were excited about becoming part of such a close-knit community. 

Preston will be remembered for many things, especially his humor. Friends often said, “He’s the funniest guy I know.” He had a gift for quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners, and clever jokes. Preston was the life of the party and time spent with him was always fun. Though a minimalist at heart, he was known for his flannels, Burton jackets, and an impressive collection of track suits.  

He had an easy way about him that drew people in. Preston could talk to anyone about anything, and his curiosity about the world earned him the affectionate nickname “a walking encyclopedia.” He stayed engaged with current events, loved documentaries, and was always eager to learn.

But more than anything, Preston was kind. He was a loyal friend, gentle by nature, and someone who truly cared about how others were doing. He was a good listener, genuinely interested in people, and most of all made you feel important, like you were the only person in the room. Despite the impact he had, he never sought attention or spotlight.  

Preston touched the lives of everyone he met. His passing leaves a profound void, but also a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and gratitude in the hearts of those who knew him.  

He was, and always will be, deeply loved.