D. William Pratt

D. William “Bill” Pratt, 74, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 17, 2015, at his home in Bernardston, MA. He was born on Pearl Harbor Day, in Greenfield, son of the late Louis and Margaret (Burke) Pratt.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marsha (Billings) Pratt; his sons, Michael B. Pratt and wife Elissa, of Greenfield, MA; William “Will” R. Pratt and wife Shalee, of Bernardston, MA; and Nathan N. Pratt, of Celebration, FL.; his grandchildren, Eric, Andrew, Emerson and Marlee Pratt; his sister, Elaine Carlin and her husband Jack of New York State. He was predeceased by his son Gregory William Pratt in 1988.

He was graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional School and attended Kansas State University and the University of Massachusetts. In 1965, Bill launched his 50-year real estate career in an office made from an old chicken coop on the family farm. He grew up the son of a dairy farm manager, which led to an appreciation of animals, the land and hard work. Riding horses, especially his favorite horse, Guns, on the farm led to involvement in 4-H, which earned him a scholarship to Kansas State, where he focused on veterinary medicine. He was a founding member of the Bernardston Kiwanis Club, since 1972. He had a strong commitment to his town, as could be seen through his devotion as town Moderator for the past 37 years (elected in 1978) and entrusted with appointing other town positions. He was also a member of the Planning Board, Powers Institute Trustee and Chairman for the town’s 250th Anniversary Parade Committee. He furthered his real estate sales efforts with an Auctioneer’s License that would later earn him a reputation as a favorite for local charitable fundraisers. He was always admired and will be remembered by the legacy of his efforts.

When Bill wasn't selling real estate, you could find him in his sanctuary; blazing trails in the woods on horseback, his tractor, or snowshoes; swimming or tubing in the pond; or at Lake Champlain boating and fishing. Here he found solitude but welcomed anyone who wanted to join him. Bill's day didn't end at 5; to him it was halftime, or intermission, to reflect on the day with his family, friends, and animals. Upon Bill's return home, he was greeted by family and what he considered extended family: a chorus of, a horse whinny, a dog barking, and a donkey bray. The day’s occurrences were shared at the dinner table with family values and interaction. If the work day continued into the night, family time was extended with a trip to the office or infinite farm chores. He was an animated story teller and lover of jokes. He enjoyed deer hunting since his teens in Massachusetts and Vermont and more recently in Maine, Colorado and Wyoming. Bill’s love of the game was admired by all: chess, cards, horseshoes, cornhole, and softball. Local college and high school sports teams would feel Bill's presence by his iconic cheer. Bill had a love for automobiles, farm trucks, old model A’s, ’57 Chevy’s, a 1966 Pontiac GTO, a drag race amongst friends, dirt-, mud- or snow-covered roads in Colrain, watching Indy or NASCAR, or driving his Tahoe 265,000 miles in ten years. While on the road, Bill's journeys always involved a collection of enjoyable music: country, folk, classic rock, bluegrass and once in a while some dance mix too. Music wasn't just listened to but was encouraged by sing-alongs. Bill, affectionately nicknamed “Dubby”, will be deeply missed and always remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend and colleague.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 1 PM on December 29, 2015 at the Mount Hermon Chapel, One Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, MA, with a reception to follow at Alumni Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either Bernardston Kiwanis, PO Box 247, Bernardston MA 01337; or Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301. Bill’s family is grateful for the care and guidance of the Hospice of Franklin County Team.