Leighton Pratt

Lancaster - Leighton C. Pratt, 90 died June 11, 2013 at The Morrison in Whitefield, NH. He was born in Hartford, CT on April 23, 1923, the son of Calvin and Jessie (White) Pratt. He was predeceased by his four brothers and four sisters. He spent his youth in Worcester Vt. and graduated from Montpelier VT High School. He was a World War II veteran serving in the US Coast Guard from 1942-1946. Leighton received his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Vermont in 1951 and his Master of Science in from the University of Rhode Island in 1953. While at URI he managed the college the fruit farm. He was the State Plant Pathologist for the Vermont Department of Agriculture from 1953 to 1962, then taught high school science in Cabot and Newport Vt. In 1969 he moved to Lancaster, NH to become the Coos County Agricultural Extension Agent. Following his retirement he served in the NH House of Representatives from 1991-2005 where he was an advocate for the agricultural industry and issues affecting the North Country. He received the Tom Corrigan Award for service to the Coos County Republican Party. He was recognized by the Farm Bureau for his service to the agricultural community. Gardening was one of his favorite hobbies and he developed one of the first "pick your own" blueberry and raspberry farms in the North Country which he managed up until two years ago. He was a long time member of the Lancaster Rotary Club.. In 1986 he was the team leader for a six week Rotary Exchange to Brazil. He also was involved with the Rotary Youth Exchange programs. Other organizations he belonged to were the VFW, Lancaster Congregational Church, a 60 year member of the Washington Lodge, No. 3 F & AM Masonic Lodge, Farm Bureau, Weeks State Park Association. He and his wife Sally enjoyed traveling to many places; one of the most special was a trip to New Zealand. Dancing to"Big Band" music was one of his greatest pleasures. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Sally (Burgess) Pratt, sons Randall of Portsmouth, NH; Bruce and his wife Ashley and grandson Alex and granddaughter Tori of Bedford, NH. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He coached his sons in Little League and assisted at their ski races. In later years he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their various sports. The Red Sox and Celtics were his favorite sports teams. Services: There will be a celebration of his life on June 28 at the Lancaster Congregational Church at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Morrison Staff Education Fund, 6 Terrace St., Whitefield, NH. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Leighton Pratt

April 23, 1923 - June 11, 2013