LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — At Saint Joseph-London Thursday, Peggy Pratt unveiled a display in honor of her late husband, Dr. William “Bill” Pratt, who lost his battle with cancer in April 2009.  The memorial portrait is located adjacent to the chapel at Saint Joseph-London and can be viewed while overlooking the healing garden.

Vice President of Mission Lisa Rutherford began the unveiling ceremony with hospital staff gathered around the chapel’s narrow hallway, as she read an excerpt from John Maxwell’s book “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.”

“Your candle loses nothing when it lights another. No person was ever honored for what they received, the honor has been the reward of what he gave,” Rutherford narrated, adding, “And that’s why we’re here today — for what he gave.”

Pratt moved to London in 1973 as chief of staff at Marymount Hospital — now Saint Joseph-London —  and practiced medicine in Laurel County for more than 35 years.  He served as chief of staff on three different occasions, most recently from 2005-07, and served as chairman of obstetrics and nursery.  In addition, Pratt co-founded Tri-County Hospice more than 25 years ago and was board certified in hospice and palliative care.  

“He was a kind and gentle man and I enjoyed sincerely working for him.  He did much for the hospital and community,” said Ginna Dempsey, president of Saint Joseph-London. “I know he loved his babies and he did a lot for the medical staff leadership.”

“He was a part of and in the work that we continue (to do),” Rutherford said.

“We all know him in different ways, from different scenarios, whether the nurses had to call him at 2 o’clock in the morning or whether they saw him on the floor,” Dempsey said. “We appreciate him and all that he gave.”

Pratt was born May 17, 1941 in Hazard, grew up in Lexington and attended Centre College.  He earned his medical degree from the University of Kentucky Medical School.  He was active in the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians, president of the Laurel County Medical Society, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Medical Association. His professional honors included Outstanding Clinical Preceptor of U of L and UK and being Kentucky Physician of the Year, among others.

He was survived by his wife, children, Michael Pratt, Mark Pratt and Elizabeth Wallace, and grandchildren.



mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com