David Terry Pratt peacefully passed away in Anacortes WA on April 1 2026. He always did have a great sense of humor.
Born in 1934, Dad grew up in small town southern Idaho, eventually making his way to the University of Washington where he found the two great loves of his life: our mom Marilyn, and rowing. Graduating in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a beautiful and capable bride, he joined the Marine Corps as a lieutenant and engineering instructor at the US Naval Academy. There he coached the Navy Plebe crew that won the 1963 IRA national championship and also taught NFL great Roger Staubach everything he knows about thermodynamics. Patrons of the Brown Lantern in Anacortes may recognize the Navy oar that hangs over the bar, that was Dad's coaching trophy.

Completing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Berkley in 1968, Dad began his academic career at Washington State University. There he used his UW crew connections to help found the Wazzu rowing program. Positions at University of Utah and University of Michigan followed, and ultimately he returned to UW as ME Department Chair in 1981. During his time at UW Dad co-authored important award-winning reference works on aircraft engine design and hypersonic air breathing combustion. He used to say of his research "it's not rocket science - it's much harder than that".
Upon returning to Seattle, David and Marilyn set out to enjoy all that the PNW has to offer, including all three of their kids who had each found their way to UW (two rowed for UW and the third married a UW rower). In 1988 they built a home overlooking the Puget Sound on Fidalgo Island, where many happy memories were made with their children and grandchildren. When Dad retired from UW they moved to the island full-time and embarked on a happy second childhood with boating, birding and fishing friends. Dad continued rowing into his late 70s, including with the Ancient Mariners in Seattle and OARS in Anacortes.

In later years they moved closer to town, ultimately settling at Chandler's Square where Dad led a weekly ukulele singalong, right up to the end when his eyesight and hands were failing him.

Marilyn, the kids, the seven grandkids, and the seven great-grandkids are grateful for the kindness of the people at Hospice of the Northwest. If you'd like to remember Dad, a donation to support their work would be welcome.

To share memories of David please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/david-pratt
Thanks, coach. Weigh 'nuff, let it run.