"During my h.s. years Mr. Pretat always eagerly approached me when he saw me at RIPYO concerts or backstage at the Philharmonic. He ALWAYS encouraged me to keep at it and to work hard--his incouragement mostly fueled by the pride he had from his son, Rip. Mr. Pretat would talk to me about Rip and his accomplishments. Even though Rip and I had never met, I felt as though I had started to get to know his bass playing son. Well, 3 decades passed and finally in April of 2010 Rip and I shared a stand in Milwaukee. Many fun, shared memories were talked about and suddenly 30 years seemed like a blink of the eye. I was so saddened to learn of the Mr Pretat's passing. Rip had an amazing father and I'm sure all the lives that were touched by Mr. Richard Pretat were richer from that experience. I know mine was and I know his son's was and is. I want to send my deepest condolences to the entire Pretat family. I feel lucky to have known such a high energy and positive spirit!"
In loving memory of
Richard Blair Pretat
February 27, 1924 - June 1, 2010
Richard Blair Prtat, 86, died June 1, 2010 at the RI Veterans Home. Born in Providence, R.I., he was the son of Miriam and George B. Prtat both deceased and the husband of Jane Reynolds Prtat of Portsmouth, R.I.With his business partner, Thomas R. Woods, he was co-owner of Woods and Prtat Appliance Co. in Providence for over 30 years.While a student at Brown University, he was a member of the Brown football team and president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He is a past president of the Brown Club of R.I.A veteran of WW II, he was a Navy pilot and flight instructor. He continued to fly for most of his life. An avid tennis player, skier and sailor, he served as cook and crew on 11 Newport-Bermuda races as well as sailing his own Pearson 30, Doubloon, down the Inland Waterway to the Carribean. In 1962 with the help of friends, he built his family a summer cottage on Hog Island in Narragansett Bay, afterward serving as president of the Hog Island South End Association SEA several times.He was a member of the permanent diaconate of Central Congregational Church in Providence and a lifetime member of Moosup Valley Grange. A lover of all things musical, he was a past president of the RI Philharmonic Orchestra. Each summer he encouraged friends to bring their instruments and join him and his saxophone in the marching band of the Hog Island 4th of July parade.He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Deborah Prtat-Klofski of Hamburg, Germany and Judith Prtat Seaman of Portsmouth, a son, Richard B. Prtat, Jr. Rip of Mequon, WI, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and a sister, Natalie Prtat Arnold of Foster, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the RI Veterans Home, 480 Metacom Av., Bristol, RI 02809 where he received outstanding care, love and respect for the past year and a half. A memorial service will be held on July 11, 2010, at 2:00 PM, at Central Congregational Church, 296 Angell Street, Providence, RI.
Tributes
"To The Pretat family- I was so saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We spent a good deal time of together during my visits to RI and I found him to be an extraordinary man in every way possible. I meet many people in my work, but Dick was truly a great soul. Rip I send you particularly my heart! I am in Europe and can not be there to salute your dear one as he deserves. Most lovingly Larry Rachleff"
"My office building is on Seekkonk St next to the "old Woods and Pretat building". I remember Dick well and enjoyed being a neighbor. I can remember that my family had purchased appliances from Dick and loved the personal service. My sympathies to the entire family."
"Uncle Dick was an amazing man with a great love of life. He always made everyone feel loved and welcome. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always made us laugh. He will be greatly missed."
"Jane and Children, Just a short note to let you know how wonderful Dick was to me as an employee & friend at "Woods and Pretat".Dick was a giver and doer and I was the fortunate one to be in his company.I have many happy memories of Dick and his zest for fun and life. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I worked for him from Hope street to Seekonk street, until College was over, only because of Tom & Dick. Thanks for his smile.....Bob McElroy"
"Dick was an extraordinarily outgoing and charismatic man. He lived a life many of us only dream we could. He is missed greatly and will always be in my memories."
"Dear Jane & Family: Our thoughts and sympathy are with you. We knew Dick through his Board activities with People's Bank and his many community activities. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. Steve & Brigitte Palmer"
"Dear Jane, Jude, and the Seaman family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man with a wonderful family. May all your great memories help you through this sad time. My prayers are with you. Love, Linda"
"Aunt Jane, Deb, Judy, and Rip- We all have so many wonderful memories of Hog Island, Christmas caroling, time at Nonnie's in Foster. We will miss Uncle Dick's playfulness and always smiling face. Love to ALL- Tracy"
"I send a big, big hug to all the Pretats and their families. Dick, I remember your meals aboard Conquest - you always turned an ordinary meal into a fancy and fun feast. Thanks too for taking me flying, and bringing me back safely. I will miss our choir master at Christmas gatherings but I'm sure your conducting will go on and on with Deb, Judy, and Rip. They will wave your baton for us. Much love, Pam"
"The last of this Gibson clan thinking of the Pretat clan and all the good times we had The clam bakes stand out as does Miriam's strawberry angel cake"
"Ah, My Good Friend, Jane, My heart and thoughts are with you during this time! Love & Blessings, Lark"
"I am very sorry for your loss."