Cover photo for Earl F. Pritchard's Obituary
Earl F. Pritchard Profile Photo
1935 Earl 2021

Earl F. Pritchard

November 29, 1935 — April 15, 2021

PRITCHARD, Earl F. of Kettering, Ohio, passed away at age 85 on April 15, 2021. Son of Robert Pritchard and Dorothy Pritchard, he was born in Montreal, Canada on November 29, 1935. As a Canadian, he grew up on hockey skates, was an accomplished player and loved the Montreal Canadiens. Summers were spent at the family cottage in the Laurentian Mountains, sailing, fishing, and canoeing. Earl graduated from West Hill High School and received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sir George Williams University in Montreal. While in college, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy University Training Division program sponsored jointly with McGill University. He was stationed at the Stadacona naval base in Halifax, Nova Scotia and served on a destroyer escort, being the first ship to sail into the pool of London following the war.

Earl began his business career with DuPont Canada adjacent to Brockville, Ontario. Earl proposed to Judy Elliott, the love of his life. They were married April 1, 1961 in Montreal at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, and moved into a home in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Living on the River's edge, both loved skating on the St. Lawrence, tracking ships moving through the Seaway, and hearing the blast of fog horns.

Shortly thereafter, Earl was recruited by P&G in Cincinnati, Ohio. They moved to Terrace Park and welcomed the birth of their two sons, David and Scott. The Mead Corporation brought Earl, Judy, and family to Dayton where Earl's career spanned 28 years heading up purchasing including domestic and international projects. At Mead's request, Earl stayed on an additional two years, working to blend the various department responsibilities with the merger of Mead WestVaco.

Earl participated in many community activities including vestry at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Aullwood Audubon board chairman, Junior Achievement board, Dayton Art Institute associate board, and Discover Classical Music board. He participated in the Leadership Dayton program. It was a special joy for him to join his sons in Boy Scouts by serving as a leader in Kettering's Troop 236. He was a member of Moraine Society investment club and Rotary clubs of Oakwood and Bonita Springs, Florida. He was a member of 49ers Club, and served as Club president. Earl was a true gentleman, known for his kindness and optimism.

Earl loved fly fishing and travel. One travel highlight included sailing on a retired America's Cup racing yacht off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. He was an avid squash player at the Dayton Racquet Club. He enjoyed the fellowship of Moraine Country Club, including playing golf and the joy of being with family and friends.

Earl is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy, son David (Jennifer) of Indianapolis, son Scott of Oakwood, brother Ross (Joan) and nephew Robert of Halifax, Nova Scotia, grandnephew Connor and grandniece Kylie of Ottawa, Ontario, niece Linda Pritchard Yaretz (Curtis) and Evan and Justin Yaretz of Cumberland, British Columbia, cousin Brittany Ballard (Jeff Reynolds) and Davis and Paxton Ballard of Cincinnati, cousin Tracey Ballard Tangeman (Travis) and Bryn Tangeman of Toledo, step grandchildren Ian MacDougall (Rachel) of W. Lafayette, Indiana and Emma MacDougall of Indianapolis, and many friends.

Due to COVID-19, there will be a service for the immediate family in the Columbarium at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Dayton OH, with the Rev. Dr. Daniel McClain officiating.

If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 31 W. Whipp Rd., Dayton OH 45459.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Earl F. Pritchard, please visit our flower store.

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