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Love of Camp Becomes Lasting Y Legacy: Frank Pritchard

Frank Pritchard with his grandon and son

From left: Frank, grandson Jeff Jr. and son, Jeff, at the Camp Orkila 100th anniversary celebration in 2006

Frank Pritchard was always a strong supporter of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. He especially loved Y camp, and in particular Camp Orkila, which he started attending as a young child in the 1930s. He described the leaders at camp as honest, decent, faithful and courteous. The camp's mission became so important to Frank that he put Camping & Outdoor Leadership in his estate plans to ensure Orkila's relevancy and impact will last far into the future.

Frank believed in the power of the outdoors, the importance of preserving the environment, bringing people of different backgrounds together and above all else, making sure all kids have equal opportunity to go to camp. Frank shared his passion for Y camp with his son, Jeff.

Jeff recalls fond memories with his dad at camp. He believes that his father's planned gift to the Y helped define Frank's legacy. "My father had a great belief in what the Y is trying to do," Jeff says. "Over his life, he adopted a lot of the same values."

Frank's passion for camp was contagious and Jeff grew up sharing his father's desire to support the Y. As a kid Jeff was a member of the Madison Y, and went to Y Day Camp and Camp Orkila. As a young adult, he returned to serve the Y as a day camp counselor before becoming a member of the YMCA of Greater Seattle Camping Services Board of Directors. Frank's daughter, Beth, helped support a new family YMCA in her community. Frank's grandson Jeff Jr. and granddaughter Gennie were also YMCA campers and leaders.

Frank also served on the Y's board for several years in the 1960s and 1970s. During his time, he learned the importance of organizations staying relevant and that successful leadership comes through strong values. Frank's work greatly contributed to the growth of Y camps.

Frank Pritchard's legacy and planned gift ensures that YMCA camp programs continue to be accessible to all kids, regardless of their families' ability to pay. "Creating that kind of legacy reinforces those same values within our family," Jeff says.

Like Frank, you can ensure your support for the programs and place you love, like the YMCA of Greater Seattle, continues after your lifetime. To learn more about including us in your estate plan, contact Judy Smith at jsmith@seattleymca.org or 206.382.7894.