By PETER JESSUP
Respected boxing trainer Gerry Preston has died, ending a 45-year career during which he turned around many young lives.
Preston, 80, made headlines for his early handling of Jimmy Peau and David Tua before each went on to professional careers. He also trained numerous national amateur champions.
But it will
be his work in social terms, in taking in at-risk youth and instilling them with pride and self-esteem through the sport, for which he will be best remembered.
Three nights a week young prospects would turn up at the gym he and other residents had built at Swanson Park in Mangere Bridge.
Preston was at the gym every week bar a month-long break over Christmas and was still putting boxers through their paces until failing health prevented him returning after the seasonal break in 2003.
President of the Auckland Boxing Association Gary McCrystal said Preston was "one of the most well-respected trainers ever to grace the ring".
His influence in bringing young talent to the sport would be sorely missed and the community had lost a great volunteer worker.
Preston is survived by wife Joyce, his daughters Mary and Geraldine and sons Bill and Bevan, plus 12 grandchildren.
"He had a wonderful life," said Mary. "He loved kids, he loved seeing them achieve. He was always busy and he was always healthy until the last 12 months. He wouldn't have wanted much more."
Preston's funeral will be at the chapel of the Mangere lawn cemetery at 10am on Monday.
