Beverly Briem Pratt

Beverly was born in 1932 in Darrington, Washington to Alfred “Fred" Briem and Rose Kestner, joining older sister Louise. Fred was a forest ranger and the family eventually settled in West Boundary, Oregon. She spent her early years roaming the forests of the middle Willamette and working many agricultural and fire jobs. Bev graduated valedictorian from Lowell High School in 1950. She then attended Oregon College Education and graduated in 1954 with a degree in education.

In 1955, while working as a fire lookout in the Willamette National Forest, Bev met her future husband Herbert “Bert” Pratt. Bert was a forester and after their marriage in 1956 they lived in Oakridge and Union Creek, Oregon. They welcomed three children; Robert (Nancy), Paul (Karen), and Elizabeth (Marc). In 1962, Bert was transferred to the regional Forest Service Division and Bev lived in Portland for the rest of her life.

Beverly was a longtime educator with the Parkrose School District. She taught 4th and 5th grades, special education, and reading. In 1971, she completed a master’s degree in counseling and administration at Portland State University. Her work as a counselor lasted for over 20 years and positively impacted many students’ lives. During the 1980’s, Bev reconnected with a Lowell High School classmate, Vergil Miller and they were committed to one another until his death in 1991. After her retirement, Bev dove deeply into volunteer work. She was on the board of directors for the Portland chapter of the YWCA and was instrumental in reestablishing Camp Westwind. She volunteered for over 25 years with the Assistance League of Portland, serving on the board and for a term as president. Bev was also active with the Old Smokeys’ - the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Association Retirees.

One of the greatest joys of Bev’s life was her grandchildren Jordan, Seth, Kyle, Benjamin, Madeline, and Lydia. She was proud of her grandchildren’s accomplishments and always excited to hear of their adventures. Bev, a devoted pet parent, raised many generations of cats, basset hounds, a cattle dog, and golden doodles. Bev was preceded in death by her husband Bert in 1979. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and nieces Kathie (Jim) Hardy, and Dallas (Bobby) Porter and several Pratt family nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to recognize the many friends who touched Bev’s life including her Ladies (Goddess) Group which met for over forty years, the W.O.W. group, and all the friends who shared her love of travel. Special thanks to Suki, Cheryl, John, Camilla, Lucy, and the Providence Hospice team for their support.

A memorial will be held for Beverly on December 21st, 2022, at the Ross Hollywood Chapel at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bev’s honor can be made to the Assistance League of Portland or to the Old Smokeys’ Scholarship Fund.