John G. Prichard Sr

Jack passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Flint, Michigan, the son of Joseph Theodore Prichard Sr. and Honya (Ann) Rusinko Prichard. He grew up in Flint, Michigan and in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Southwestern Pennsylvania, graduating from Dunbar High School (PA). After high school he served in the Air Force during the Korean war, working in Tokyo, Japan and at the Pentagon. After the Air Force he became a Michigan State Police Trooper, working out of the Battle Creek and Paw Paw posts. He eventually settled in Kalamazoo to raise his family, working at the new Fisher Body plant, and as the head of security at Wings Stadium for many years.

Jack loved sports, music, dancing, politics, and a good adventure. He was a beloved Father, Grandpap, Uncle, mentor, friend, water skier, snow skier, swim instructor, rally car driver, yachtsman, restauranteur, storyteller, source of strength, and lover of life. He was the inaugural ski instructor for Timber Ridge Ski Area and taught countless people of all ages how to ski. He loved sailing the Great Lakes and completed seven Chicago to Mackinac races.

Jack is survived by his children: John Prichard Jr and Colleen Prichard (Bill Rantz) of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Erin Prichard (Brett Beebe), Michael Prichard (Allen Hawks), Julia Prichard, Garrett Rantz, and Gavin Rantz; partner, Kathryn Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

A private graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A memorial reception will follow on Friday, September 10, 2021, at The Park Club, 219 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI, from 5-8PM.

Visit Jack’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.