In Memoriam: George A. Pratt, 65
We are saddened to share the news of the recent passing of our long-time Regional Sales Manager and friend, George A. Pratt, 65.
“George was a great man, both personally and professionally,” said Steve Ortner, president of Absolute Machine Tools. “He raised five children with his wife Colleen and helped raise our company up to what it is today. George travelled the country and became friends with many. My wife, Courtney, and I are forever grateful to George for his dedication, and to Colleen and the family for sharing him with us since 1998.”
George resided in Vermillion Twp., Ohio. He was the youngest of eight children, born to the late Carl L. and Elizabeth (nee Yalik) Pratt. He was born on July 14, 1956, and grew up in Lorain with his brothers; Ernie (Stephanie) Pratt, Jim Pratt, and the late Carl Don Pratt, as well as his sisters; Connie (Bob) Mesko, Dorothy (Paul) Steffanik, Diane Olah and Julie (Ed) Kish. According to those who knew him best, George led a full and happy life filled with faith, family, laughs, and lots of love, and maybe a little bit of attitude, especially when his alter ego “Geo” kicked in! He was very generous with his time and was an active church member for many years in several locations including Lagrange, Clarksfield, Brooklyn, Elyria and most recently, the Community for Better Living. He led Bible studies, taught youth groups, preached, and was a leader for Pathfinders. George also volunteered as a coach for his autistic daughter Kaitlynn’s special needs baseball team where he was lovingly referred to as “Choach.”
While he loved his community, what he loved most was spending time with his family and grandchildren. Outside of his immediate family, many considered George a father figure, mentor, and the type of person who would offer help to anyone in need.
Music was a lifelong passion for George, and he was an accomplished musician. In his younger years, he was the lead singer and guitarist for a premier local band called ShadowFax which highlighted his talent, showmanship, and energy. Later in life he was an avid karaoke singer, where he would relive and channel the stardom of his ShadowFax days. Journey’s “Separate Ways” was always a crowd favorite, which brought out his Alter Ego, Geo. He also wrote and recorded original music in the contemporary Christian genre and blessed many people with praise and worship music at various churches. Aside from that, he led the family’s happy birthday songs to ensure they wouldn’t be off tune.
Anyone who knew George knows he was incredibly hard working, dedicated, and passionate. As a teenager, he took over his late father’s mower shop to support his mother while putting himself through college at Lorain County Community College. He obtained his Associate’s in Electrical Engineering and spent time in machine shops including Republic Steel and Reed Manufacturing. Later, he went into business for himself and opened a lawn mower shop out of his garage in Wellington. After years of being in blue collar, labor intensive jobs, he caught a break and found his forever work home at Absolute Machine Tools, where he spent the last 23 years. His infectious enthusiasm, extroverted personality, and ability to build great relationships helped him set many sales records. As a result, he was able to increase his income and create a better quality life for his family.
George truly embodied the hard working region of Northeast Ohio and was the definition of what it is to be self-made. George will live forever in the hearts of his wife of 42 years, Colleen (nee Kirkpatrick), sons; Aaron (Ashley), Chris (Melissa), and Nate (Jackie); daughters, Kaitlynn and Kayla, grandchildren; Adaliese, Anker, Jen, Landon, and Rylee, and his brothers, sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions go to Rising Sun Center in Wakeman, Ohio: http://risingsuncenters.com and Online condolences can be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.
