Robert James Pratt

Robert James Pratt passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 93 in Olympia, Washington, after a long battle with various medical ailments. He was born in Butte, Montana, to Walter and Teenie Pratt at St. James Hospital and was raised in the area of Butte, known as Finn Town. 

In his youth, he enjoyed playing in the mountains and hanging out with his buddies. But at the age of 15, he was involved in a hunting accident that left one leg 3 ½ inches shorter than the other, but he never let that deter him from living life to the fullest.

In 1951 while out with his friends, he met a lovely young lady named Laura Plate who he later married on June 5, 1955. During their courtship, he was labeled “That Guy” by his future mother-in-law, but as he did with everyone, he won her over with his charm and love for life. Shortly after Robert and Larua married, they relocated to Washington State to the City of Renton and then later the City of Newcastle. 

After he retired in 1987, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Mason, joining Tyee Lodge that later merged with St. Andrews Lodge; in time, he earned the honor of becoming a Master Mason. The Masons were not just something he did but a brotherhood and a way of life where he made lifelong friends who became an extension of his family. While he was an active member, he also joined other affiliates of the Masonic Organization, including Royal Arch, Council, the Yorke Rite, Shrine, Commandery and Eastern Star, holding many leadership positions, some of which were Worshipful Master, Worthy Patron, Commander, Illustrious Master, High Priest, and was even named a deputy instructor by the Grand Lodge. He also served by being a part of several different committees, such as the school awards program, visitation teams to interview prospective candidates, and was a part of the group who worked to successfully merge Tyee with St. Andrews. He served the Masons and its affiliates from 1987 until he had to step away due to health reasons in late 2012.

When not at work or at lodge, Robert (or Bob as he was known by his friends and family) enjoyed a simple life of camping, fishing, and was a master wood crafter. He created all sorts of projects out of wood but had a special love for making clocks, which have become family treasures over the years.

In late 2020, after 50 plus years of living in Renton and later on Newcastle, they moved south to Olympia to be closer to their daughter, where he continued on even into his 90s, working in his shop on various different wood projects, even building his last clock at the age of 92.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Teenie Pratt; and is survived by his wife of 69 years, Laura (Plate) Pratt; daughter and son-in-law, Rochelle (Pratt) and Leo Catt; sisters, Patricia (Pratt) Archer, and Annetta (Fish) Webster. He was also a special uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life and Masonic memorial will be held on October 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St Andrews Masonic Hall, located at 505 Williams Ave. S, Renton, WA 98057. Services to be done by the brothers of St. Andrews and family.

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