Ard Martin Pratt Jr.

March 12, 1940 – March 31, 2021

              Shortly after celebrating 81 years of life Ard Martin Pratt Jr. was  tragically lost to us in a motorcycle collision. While we mourn his loss deeply he left us doing what he loved.  He led an extraordinary life; born and raised in Portland with early beginnings in the Mt. Tabor community. 

After completing his education he was married to Mary M. Bloberger in 1959 and worked odd jobs to support his newly growing family. A couple of his most favored jobs were working production for Leupold making scopes as well as working security at the local racetrack. Not long after he made his decision to become the third generation of his family to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Beginning in December of 1961 he spent 31 years as Multnomah County sheriff’s deputy, with a start at Rocky Butte Jail. He received many accolades as patrolman and community liaison. With the help of some fellow local officers and deputies he founded Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program where they helped motorists learn proper motorcycle riding procedures, aiding the safety of countless individuals.  During his time spent with the police bureau he risked his life an innumerable amount of times, met presidents Reagan & Carter, also spent many years as a motor escort for the Junior Rose Festival Court.

Ard was an avid philanthropist since youth; involved in multitudes of volunteer groups including but not limited to Masonic families, Shriners, and was actively involved with the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Post retirement he committed the majority of his time and many financial contributions to support these good causes.

With his wife Mary they were blessed with 3 children; Kathy, Jim and Carolyn. He later married Carol Schmidt in 1988, together they raised Carry and Renny and loved one another for 32 beautiful years. In addition he is survived by his 11 grandchildren; and  3 great grandchildren.

He will be well remembered for his love of travel, and bringing joy to all those he encountered along with his boisterous and contagious laugh. The love he shared will be continued by his family and the large community he developed during his life. 

Celebration of Ard’s life will be Sunday, June 27th, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Al Kader Shrine Center in Wilsonville, Oregon.