John Richard Pratt ’80

John Richard Pratt ’80, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away on March 1 after a brief illness. Pratt was born in Denver, Colo., on July 13, 1958. He spent his early years in Greene, N.Y., before moving to Charlotte in 1967. He attended Davidson and graduated from UNCC with a degree in business finance. Since 1992, Pratt has been the owner/president of Multi-Shifter, Inc. He was an innovator and leader in the material handling industry and made Multi-Shifter a benchmark in the industry. Pratt loved music, playing his guitar, movies, swimming, reading, and spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and employer. Pratt is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, TuanJai Pratt, 1226 S. Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207-1808; daughter, Shizuka; son, Evan; mother, Gabrella “Gabby” Pratt; sister, Betsy Pratt; brother, Elliott Pratt; stepdaughter, Siripron; nieces, Cassie Kennedy, Ava Kennedy, and Isabel Pratt; nephew, Eilish Pratt; and many close friends. His life touched many, and he will be deeply missed.