Richard Marden Pratt

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Brigham Young University

Richard Pratt Obituary

Richard Marden Pratt 3/14/1912 ~ 4/1/2009 Richard Marden Pratt, a noble man of God, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday April First. After 97 years, he returns home to the arms of his beloved Adaline Kearl to whom he was sealed in 1934 at the LDS Cardston Temple. He was a Father-Extraordinaire, a kind and generous Patriarch. Richard was born to Benjamin Pratt and Lilly Shirk on 14 March 1912 in Washougal, Washington. Richard believed in the ethic of hard work, lived the rule "every member a missionary." He was a sought-after speaker. As a story teller, he was unsurpassed. Richard's careers included rancher,dairyman, residential contractor. He was an accomplished furniture craftsman. But after achieving his BYU BA degree in 1963, he became best known as a Seminary teacher. He served as Bishop, Branch President and High Councilman in many wards and taught Gospel Doctrine classes 80 years. He served at Provo Temple nearly 20 years, and went on six missions - five with his wife - to Iowa, California, Arizona, Las Vegas and the Gilbert Islands. As the first education missionaries in Tarawa, they ran a church school and he constructed many campus buildings with only the help of students, a few home tools and several miracles. Two brothers survive him: Leroy Pratt (Libby), Virginia, and David Pratt (Beverly), Provo. His son is Richard Stephen Pratt (Belva Gae), Cove Fort. His daughters are Carolyn Mock James (Syd), Orem, Dawn Taylor (Nelson), Salem, Rose Rowbury (Roger), Provo, Sheryl VanOrman (Gibb), Provo, and Darlene Kay Smith (Vern) deceased. Richard was proud of his 47 grand children, 129 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Viewings are Sunday 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Walker Mortuary, Provo, and Monday April 6th 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at Provo Peak 10th Ward, 500 East 200 North. The funeral services will be held thereafter at 11 a.m. Interment is at the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.walkerfamilymortuary.com

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Published by Deseret News from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pratt

6 Entries

Brent L. Blake

April 17, 2009

Brother Pratt had, next to my own father, perhaps the most profound influence on me than any other man. He was my seminary teacher in Holbrook, Arizona for three years. He was a man of the highest integrity. He once told us that he never kissed his wife before they were married. We didn't believe him until he reminded us that she wasn't his wife until after they were married. He will be remembered as one of the the truly great men of our generation or any other.
Until we meet again.

Mike Mooney

April 7, 2009

I had the privilege of having Brother Pratt as my first seminary teacher at Farrer Jr. High from 1966-1967. What a blessing he was in my life. During my sophmore year, my family moved to Hawaii. Brother Pratt wrote to me faithfully while I was gone. Upon my return from my mission, I had the privilege of speaking with Brother Pratt, then on the high council. Brother Pratt had a great influence in my life when I needed it. He was and is truly a special man!

Laura Elliott(Pratt)

April 6, 2009

Uncle Richard was one of the most noble and loving men I have ever known. I remeber one year when he took me camping with some of his granddaughters. What a special time. He told us stories, one in particular I know was for me because I was making poor choices at that time in my life. Even though I chose my own way, I never forgot that day and it helped me to find my way back to the iron rod. I have so many memories I would like to share but that would take forever. May God be with us all till we meet Richard again.

Daniel D. Chase

April 4, 2009

Bro. Pratt represented the Melchizedek Priesthood and his God, in all that he did. I met him at the Provo Temple while he was an ordinance worker and patron. He always came with a great spirit, big smile, and he made you feel good. We often talked of Parley P. Pratt and he had taken the time to know his family and ancestry, he continued to honor the Pratt name in all that he did, more he added luster to his family name.

V. Dallas Merrell

April 3, 2009

Richard Pratt was in the LDS District Presidency in the Northwest States Mission when I was a deacon in Moses Lake. He was the best speaker in the area. I thought he made a good impression as a farmer and leader. I later found him as a student/seminary teacher in Provo, and was confident that he would touch many lives. I am glad to read some of the rest of his life. My sister and brother-in-law died with Kay, his daughter, in the Smith plane accident. I went as a General Authority to Tarawa to make final preparations for making that district a new stake. The church school there stands as a tribute to our Dave Pratt. Bless you all.

Steve Baldridge

April 3, 2009

Richard Pratt was my seminary teacher at Farrer Jr. High, 1966-67. Even then, over 40 years ago, we thought he was old, but when you're 14 years old, everyone is old. I enjoyed his firm commitment to the gospel and his odd sense of humor. Once he served the class some brownies, some of which were laced with a large dose of pepper (or something like it), sending half the class out to the drinking fountain. I don't remember what point he wanted to make, but I haven't forgotten the method. He once told us that every promise made to him in his patriarchal blessing had been fulfilled, except one--that he would be present to witness the Second Coming, in the flesh. Too bad he couldn't have hung around for a few more years.

He was an honorable man, a good teacher and a faithful Latter-day Saint. Thanks for sharing him with us.

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