Teacher and ‘Mountain Men’ participant dies on Monday

Preston James Roberts, 60, of Hays died from complications related to an inoperable liver tumor.

Roberts helped Eustace Conway build Turtle Island Preserve, an outdoor education camp with an emphasis on primitive skills near Deep Gap, and appeared with Conway on numerous episodes of “Mountain Men.”

He was considered Conway’s right-hand man at Turtle Island and worked there as an educator and in other ways for over three decades. Roberts was on the Turtle Island Board of Directors.

He met Conway in 1982 while both were finishing up their formal education. Together, they rode horses across North and South Carolina and also made a buggy ride across the country.

Roberts also was an art teacher in the Wilkes County schools for 25 years before he retired in 2010, and twice was named teacher of the year for his school.

Eric Barker, Wilkes school transportation director, said Roberts taught art at East Wilkes High School when he was assistant principal (2004-2006) and principal (2007-2010) there. “Preston was certainly a great educator, a true gentlemen and a friend to us all,” said Barker.

“He just brought out the best in his students, especially their personal creativity expressed in his art projects…. When he had something to say, you wanted to listen. His knowledge and personal take on things would be of great value to the school and community.”

Barker said it was an honor to have known Roberts, as well as his wife, Kathleen, who also taught at East Wilkes High.

Wilkes County Commissioner Eddie Settle said Roberts taught his children at East Wilkes High and made a lasting impression on them and other students. “He just did so much for all of the kids,” said Settle.

Roberts worked as an instructor at numerous primitive skills gatherings and cultural events all over the U.S. and studied with Native American people to become a singer and a contemporary traditional dancer.

“The core of my world has always revolved around the traditional Appalachian Mountain people and I have had the honor of being taught by some of the best,” Roberts wrote.

Of his career, Roberts said, “I make knives, hunt, fish, and from time-to-time, I make television.”

Roberts was raised in Brevard and was married to the former Kathleen DuPont McGuire for over 40 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three grown children.

Conway stated in a Facebook post, “In the wake of this unexpected tragedy, hundreds of bereaved among his Turtle Island family will gather soon to celebrate the legacy of a life lost too soon. The loss and sadness we feel is indescribable.”

Conway said a crowd-funding page has been set up to help pay for medical expenses, public memorial services and the roof Roberts was repairing on his family home. More details are at http://www.prestonroberts.com/about/