Funeral of Laron Pratt
Veteran Printer Laid to Rest After Impressive Service
Attended by Host of Devoted Friends
The large number of relatives and friends that attended the obsequies in the Seventeenth ward chapel Sunday afternoon, and the many beautiful floral offerings in evidence bore eloquent testimony to the esteem and respect in which Elder Laron Pratt was held in the community in which he spent his life. Students of the Deaf Mute school, to whom the deceased had endeared himself in his long years of earnest labors in the Sabbath school, were present in large numbers, and showed their love in many floral tokens.
The song “O My Father,” one of Elder Pratt’s favorites, was the second musical number and during its rendition by James. H. Nielson, it was repeated in sign language to the students of his Sabbath school by Elder Chambers.
The other musical numbers were “Night of Rest,” and “We Shall Meet Beyond the River,” by a quartet consisting of Messrs. Wm. Cook, James H. and David Nellon and Alma C. Clayton. “Home, Sweet Home,” was beautifully rendered by Mrs. Emma Ramsey, accompanied by Alvin Beesley.
Many of his associates from the various departments of the Deseret News, where he had labored as a printer for nearly 50 years, were also present.
Bishop Frank S. Tingey conducted the services.
The first speaker was Elder J.M. Sjodahl, editor the Deseret News, who spoke feelingly for his fellow associates in praise of the noble, honest life of the deceased, and offered words of sympathy to the bereft family.
Elder John Henry Smith who had been associated with deceased from his youth, spoke of the heroic life of the deceased, who in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles made a success of the great battle of life, reared an honored family, kept the faith and won the esteem of all who knew him. His life was truly an exemplary one, and he was a worthy son of his distinguished father Orson Pratt, one of the earliest standard bearers of Mormonism, and a Utah pioneer.
Elder Fred W. Chambers, superintendent of the Deaf Mute Sunday school, Ogden, spoke feelingly of the devotion of Elder Pratt, who went to Ogden every Sabbath for nearly nine years, to instruct the little unfortunates, and bring them to a knowledge of the gospel.
The pallbearers were Walter J. Lewis, George Buckie, Joseph S. Tingey, William A. Cowan, Chas. H Hyde, and S.H. Harrow of the Deseret News forces.
The grave was dedicated by Elder Arthur S. Barnes, and the quartet sang the selection, “Nearer My God to Thee.
[Deseret News, Aug. 24, 1908]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Jan. 2006]
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