Search by Name

Search by Name

William Brewster Pratt

1938 - 2020

William Brewster Pratt obituary, 1938-2020, Ann Arbor, MI

William Pratt Obituary

Pratt, William Brewster 12/30/1938 - 7/8/2020 William Pratt of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the age of 81. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diana, his son, Sean, his daughter in law, Holly, and his grandson, Ben. Bill was born in Salem Massachusetts to Doris and Weldon Pratt. He was raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1960 and from Yale Medical School in 1964. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institut fur Therapeutische Biochemie, Goethe Universitat, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (1964-65), and at Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, California (1965-67. In 1972-73, Bill was an intern in Pediatrics at Yale University of Medicine. Bill served on the faculty of Pharmacology at the Stanford Medical School from 1967 to 1971. He joined the University of Michigan Medical School Faculty in 1973 serving as an Associate Professor and Professor of Pharmacology. He was an Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology at the time of his passing. During his long academic career, he authored seven textbooks, 57 Invited Reviews, and 154 Research Papers. He received the Henry J. Kaiser Award for Excellence in Teaching at Stanford Medical School in 1970, the Distinguished Faculty Lectureship in Biomedical Research at the University of Michigan in 1996, The Goodman and Gilman Award in Drug Receptor Pharmacology in 2002, and The Allan Munck Prize and Distinguished Lectureship, at Dartmouth Medical School in 2002. Bill was known as a perfectionist, who demanded excellence of himself and his students. He was equally passionate about his recreational pursuits: a love of the mountains, skiing, gardening, and traveling the world. He and his wife have visited over 140 countries. Bill's family shares his passions. In accordance with Bill's wishes, the arrangements are private. Donations in his memory can be made to the Natural Resources Defense Council or Doctors Without Borders.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Jul. 10 to Jul. 12, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Pratt

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

was just thinking of Bill, last week, and this pops up.
I followed all his advice...and everything worked out, just as he said.
Miss running into him and his lovely wife.

Mary Stewart

Friend

June 7, 2021

I met Bill in 1966 at the Stanford Pharmacology Research Lab when I was a high school student. I being from East Palo Alto, this was quite cultural shock of extreme achievers. Bill was most influential on my life's path from high school onward. Many a times when I was slacking off or goofing about in college & beyond, I could hear his voice telling be to do better & remember his pat on my shoulder. I also remember many of his crude jokes when I am "down" or when thing didn't go as expected and they would bring a smiles or a chuckle. I will always carry his attitude for perfection in me forever. He will surely be missed.

Ronald Chew

Friend

June 5, 2021

So very sorry to see us lose another great from WHS class ‘56 prayers and deepest sympathy for all the family

DEanna Ustas (Fowler)

Classmate

January 18, 2021

Russell Copeman

August 7, 2020

I met Bill, at the Michigan Unions coffee shop. I loved hearing about his and Dianas travels around the world. Im so sorry...he was very kind and thoughtful. My thoughts and prayers are with Diana and family.
.

Mary Stewart

Friend

July 18, 2020

So sorry to hear about Bill. I met him when I joined the department in 1977 and over the years watched him mentor many outstanding students in his lab and in student seminars. I got to know him better when he moved into the office next to mine around 5 years before he retired. We had lots of memorable conversations about research, people, the crazy arrangement for controlling the heat and air conditioning in our two offices (his controlled the heat for both offices, mine the A/C) even motorcycles, and although we didn't always agree I respected and more importantly admired Bill's passion and his willingness to show it, and every time we finished I had a smile on my face. It was my privilege to have known Bill; one of a kind, and in a very good way.

Marshal Shlafer

Coworker

July 13, 2020

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in William Pratt's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for William Pratt

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Pratt's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more