Ronald Edward Pritchett, 76, of Battle Mountain, Nev., died at home January 1, 2018, after four long years battling cancer. He was born January 23, 1941 in Granite City, Ill., to Charles and Ella Mae Pritchett. He is survived by his wife Judith of Battle Mountain, sons Michael (Martha) of Texas, Shawn of Calif., grandsons Taylor and Jaden. Sister Kathy Clark of Indiana, stepchildren Dianne Kimbler, Joanne Silveira, Robert Newman, all of Calif.
Pritch joined the Navy on his 17th birthday, serving in the submarine service for 20 years. He qualified for his dolphins on his first boat, the US Grenadier. He also served on the Blackfin, Sam Rayburn, M.G. Vallejo, Guardfish, Sculpin and Pollack. He was a recruiter in Reno from 1971 to 1973. He retired in 1977 as Chief of the Boat, USS Pollack. Pritch was very proud of his navy service.
He returned to Reno in 1978 where he met and married his wife Judi. From there they had one adventure after another. Living in tents, prospecting for gold, fishing, hunting rattlesnakes, running wild and naked through the desert. Then it was time to settle down, get a job, live in a real house. Pritch and Judi moved to Battle Mountain in 1980. He was an electrician, worked for BM Gold, Silver King mine, and various other mines. He often said he was retired, so he would take a break from working.
Anyone who knew him knew he loved to argue (which drove Judi crazy). It was “pick a side, pick a subject”. He enjoyed being with his friends until he was housebound, then he was lonely.
As per his wishes,, no services will be held. His ashes will be scattered at “The Tree”, a special place for him and Judi, and at sea. Where all good sailors go.
