Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Dick Prather RIP

This is topic Dick Prather RIP in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Gary A. Hoselton (Member # 3447) on 11-21-2014, 12:21 PM:

Dick Prather of Portland OR died a week ago, too much in him just wore out. With him went a lot of projection equipment and operations knowledge, same for his ham radio hobby. Gary Lacher kept in contact with him to the end, and is assisting the widow. Funeral 3PM December 5th, Lincoln Memorial, Portland OR

Posted by Don Furr (Member # 1469) on 11-21-2014, 03:20 PM:

Very sorry to hear this news. Dick was very helpful to me on several occasions. Nice guy with a lot of knowledge.

Posted by Robert Koch (Member # 3728) on 11-21-2014, 03:57 PM:

Sure sorry to hear this. Great person, one of the most knowledgeable on this forum concerning projectors, their age, and rebuilding of them. I consulted with him many times over the years. Now there is nobody around like that anymore.
My sincere sympathy to his wife and family.

Posted by Sam D. Chavez (Member # 1841) on 11-21-2014, 06:26 PM:

What a loss.

I was working with him rather recently on my period accurate XL booth and he had more knowledge and documents than anyone else I consulted. He had the only overall drawing showing myriad versions of this sound system.

He'll be missed by anyone with a love for film.

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 11-21-2014, 11:55 PM:

He was a nice guy….we traded many obscure and arcane manuals, literature and parts over the years….

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 11-22-2014, 08:24 AM:

So sorry to hear this. I didn't realize we shared the same interest ...amateur radio. Dick helped me out on several occasions.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-22-2014, 05:22 PM:

I first met Dick at a Dolby training class that Sam Chavez was teaching back in 1985, this was at the original Dolby building in the San Fransisco financial district. We kept in touch all those years and I paid him a visit in Portland on a couple occasions and Dick came and spent a week with me back in the 90's when I was still in Chicago. We toured LaVezzi, The Chicago Theater and paid a visit to the late Charlie Wolk. We also attended a Cubs double header at Wrigley Field. Most don't know but Dick was a big Cubs fan. I will post some pictures as soon as I locate them.

RIP ole buddy, you and Charlie have a lot to discuss!

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 11-22-2014, 06:36 PM:

R.I.P.

I was wondering if something was wrong. I spoke with Dick a few times and was recently trying to contact him regarding historical records and other info. Dick will be missed!

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 11-22-2014, 09:51 PM:

A good man. Sorely missed.

Posted by Jarod Reddig (Member # 6363) on 11-23-2014, 05:15 AM:

Sad to hear. A truly dieing bread. RIP

Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 11-23-2014, 08:02 AM:

RIP

Posted by John Eickhof (Member # 323) on 11-24-2014, 04:56 PM:

Very sad news indeed. I have been friends with Dick and Carolyn for a good 45 years. I found him his set of XLs that he put in his home screening room. He also was instrumental in my learning of the perspecta sound system and had a nice print of white christmas that demonstrated it well. My deepest sympathy goes out to Carolyn and the cats. Another industry historian is gone to a better place, I hope his vast collection of early equipment and documents find a good home. John

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 11-27-2014, 12:10 PM:

Images of Dick at home. Uploaded on behalf of Henry Taylor.

Posted by Steve Matz (Member # 1890) on 11-29-2014, 01:53 PM:

All these old School projector experts are thinning out regularly. Lots of Knowledge and experience goes with them that a new generation will probably never know the good ole days of 35mm film projection...RIP Dick

btw: Will Kutler; I noticed a PM that I replied to you back in October is still unread by you. Check it out; I don't want you to think I didn't get back to your original PM.... [Wink]

S.M.

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-29-2014, 02:01 PM:

quote: Will Kutler
Uploaded on behalf of Henry Taylor

Is he the Henry Taylor who used to work the Circle Theater and others in DC?

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 11-29-2014, 05:09 PM:

Hi Steve

No worries. I read your message on my private e-mail and found it quite interesting. Please send my your phone number via p.m.

Rick...I believe you are correct.