Cole Mickley Preston, 22, of Judge Road, Tryon, N.C. passed away Wednesday morning, June 24, 2015 in Jackson County, N.C.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., he was the son of James “Tater” Preston and Carmen Preston of Tryon, N.C., and Debra Kaye Baylinson of Coral Springs, Fla.

Cole loved nature, his friends, his family, and his dog Moagli. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to kayak, camp, and hike the Appalachian Trail. He was a zip line instructor and kayak guide. He was passionate about bringing the outdoors to those with special needs and celebrating nature with all. A stranger to none, those who were fortunate to know Cole describe him as the most positive, enlightening, and giving person they knew. Cole was a student at Western Carolina University and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, in Tryon, N.C.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his sisters, Elena Preston and Erica Baylinson; stepfather Bob Baylinson; paternal grandfather, Dee Preston (Joyce); paternal grandmother, Frances McCain (Jimmy); maternal grandmother, Eleanor Kaye; maternal grandfather, Herb Kaye; also surviving are numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and his dog Moagli.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 15 Dark Horse Lane, Tryon, N.C. 28782 with Rev. Mickey Mugan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations be made directly to Pacolet Area Conservancy, 850 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782, 828 859-5060, pacolet.org. This local non-profit organization celebrates the outdoors, just like Cole did everyday.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.