Michael G. Pratt, 69

SANDWICH — Michael "Mike" Gilchrist Pratt, 69, died peacefully on Aug. 6, 2016, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a surprise diagnosis of advanced ALS.

He was born on March 2, 1947, in Hanover.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Pratt of Sunapee.

Mike was a happy-go-lucky guy who was the life of the party and loved to dance. That's how he would want to be remembered. He was endlessly helpful, never met a stranger, could fit into any situation and always greeted you with a "Howdy, Howdy." He also enjoyed bicycling, table tennis and long-distance running. He ran 12 marathons and even ran with the bulls in Spain.

Mike retired from the Navy as a chief petty officer (crypto technician) after 22½ years and lived around the world.

Mike lived in Sandwich and was a board member of the Sandwich Historical Society. He was an active member of the UUFES – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes. He was a former member of many square dance clubs in the state.

Mike is survived by his partner of 26 years, Eva Goss; as well as his children, Heather Pratt of Kemp, Texas, and Michael A. Pratt of Niceville, Florida; stepchildren, Sheran McGlohon of Newport, Kimberly Talley of West Canaan, Robin Barkley of Vincennes, Indiana, Laurel Paterson of Lebanon, and Fred Carlson Jr. of Denham Springs, Louisiana; plus 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Doug (Nancy) Pratt of Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania; and sister, Linda Pratt (Paulette Jerpe) of Denver; and one niece.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Sunapee on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m., and also at UUFES in Tamworth on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes, P.O. Box 474, Tamworth, NH 03886, or the charity of your choice.