George Pratt

George passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, under hospice care in Colorado after a brief and valiant fight against a sudden illness. His life was defined by his love for people, his encouragement of others, and by making friends wherever he went. Known to many simply as “Coach,” George had a ready smile and an extraordinarily positive spirit.

George was born to Clarence and Mary (Boyer) Pratt in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was their only child. At Ann Arbor High School, he was elected senior class vice president and captain of the baseball team in 1955. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to Western Michigan University, where his team placed third in the Men’s College World Series. He also pitched for the Ann Arbor Travelers, a semi-professional team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Industrial Arts, followed by a master’s degree in Counseling.

In 1960 George moved to Carsonville, Michigan where he taught Woodshop and coached football, basketball, baseball and track while also serving as Athletic Director. While visiting Kalamazoo he met his first wife, Susan (Smith) Pratt. The couple married in 1962 and settled in Carsonville where they welcomed their first child, Leigh.

The family moved to Romulus, Michigan in 1967 where George taught Woodshop and coached football at Romulus High School. Here they welcomed their second child, George Roger.

In 1972, George accepted a job offer, sight unseen, and the family moved to Bellaire, Michigan. He continued teaching Woodshop and coaching football, while occasionally serving as baseball coach and Athletic Director at Bellaire High School. Soon their third child, Adam, came along as a pleasant surprise. At every stop, his circle of friends grew.

George’s woodworking program, nicknamed “The Flying Chips of Bellaire”, won a blue ribbon at the state competition for at least 25 consecutive years. He not only taught students how to build furniture, but also how to build a foundation for their future. His dedication to students earned him the prestigious Master Teacher award from the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society.

As a coach, George considered all of his athletes to be winners, regardless of the scoreboard. He encouraged his players to give their all, both on and off the field. He spoke to them often about the value of teamwork and the importance of leadership. Those lessons have stayed with his players throughout their lives. His dedication to athletes led to his induction into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

After his first wife, Sue Pratt, passed away in 1995, George found solace in family, his many friends, teaching, and coaching. He retired after 40 years in education, although it took longer for him to stop coaching and longer still to stop hanging around the team.

George was fortunate to find true love twice. In 2002, he married Sue Wisney and welcomed her children, Nick Hagel and Anna Hagel, into the family. They made their home in Gaylord, Michigan, before gradually settling full-time in North Fort Myers, Florida, returning to Michigan and Colorado to spend time with family and friends.

George was a much-loved staple of his community in Florida. He co-founded the “Grumpy Old Men,” a volunteer group that worked on fences and docks, painted, and tackled whatever else that needed doing. Whether lending a hand or gathering with neighbors, George brought good humor and friendship to everything he did.

A devoted University of Michigan fan, George inherited a family tradition that began around 1902 with his grandfather taking tickets for football games at Regents Field. His father began taking tickets at Michigan Stadium on opening day in 1927, and George joined him from a young age. The family’s streak of home-game attendance ended with George’s first wedding in 1962, a scheduling decision his friends never let him forget. He was a true Michigan Man from beginning to end.

George was humble, thoughtful, even-tempered, and kind. His legacy lives on in all the people he loved. He encouraged them to become the best version of themselves, and they continue to pass along his lessons to countless others. His friendships spanned generations and distances - and he treasured them all. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by the many people who were fortunate enough to have known him.

George was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Susan (Smith) Pratt. He is survived by his second wife, Sue Wisney; his children, Leigh Carpenter (Vince), Roger Pratt (Janet), Adam Pratt (Sara), Nick Hagel (Danielle), and Anna Hagel (Steve); his grandchildren, Alissa, Jeffrey, Rob, Dan, Scott, David, Ella, Norah, Charlotte, and Emerson; six great-grandchildren; a niece and four nephews.

In accordance with George’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced in the spring. Please share your memories in his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

Donations in his memory can be sent to:

Friends of Bellaire Athletics, P.O. Box 998, Bellaire, MI 49615