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Kenneth John (Ken) Pratt

March 7, 1919 – December 15, 2014

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Pratt in Smithers in his 96th year. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years Penelope (Pen); daughters Sandra (Don), Susan (Colin) and Theresa (Wesley); four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and niece and nephew Patty and Mike. Ken was predeceased by his parents Alvina and Forrest, and his brother Ormand.

Born in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, Ken moved to Fort Fraser with his father after the death of his mother when he was 4 years old. He worked in sawmills, trucking and horse logging around Fraser Lake until volunteering for military service in 1940. As a Sapper in the 2nd Division of the Royal Canadian Engineers Ken was on the ground through Operation Jubilee (Dieppe Raid) and Operation Overlord (Battle for Caen and Falaise Pocket) to the liberation of France and Holland in 1945. In recognition for his service, Ken was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2014.

After his time in Europe, Ken returned to BC working as a logger, longshoreman, heavy duty machine operator and mechanic. He married Pen (Woodman) in 1949. Ken founded K Pratt Logging Company and Aabro Logging with camps over the years along the BC coast, including Jervis and Bute Inlets and Nelson Island. He was a licensed hunting guide and outfitter in the Rainbow Mountains, sharing many adventures and stories with Lester Dorsey and Tom Mathews. Ken and Pen moved to Smithers in 1998 and continued working their placer claim in the Yukon for many years.

In a life of stories and schemes, dreams and adventures, Ken was a part of the history of BC.

An informal gathering for friends will be held at 1:00 pm on January 3, 2015 at RA Schrader Funeral Home 1239 Queen St. Smithers.

Condolences may be offered at

www.raschraderfuneralhome.com

R.A. Schrader Funeral Services

250-847-2441



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