Brothers Daniel and Jeff Pratt remember their parents Jim and Judy as well as older sister Carol, as selfless people who were loved deeply by their communities. “A lot of people say they have the greatest parents in the world, but we truly did,” Daniel said about Jim and Judy. “We had so much love in our house, in our family. We grew up around joy and around love. Our parents were selfless with their love.” “Carol adored me so much. She tormented me with love – and any young brother would be. As you grow up, you’re so thankful that happened,” said Jeff, who was six years younger than his sister. Jim, Judy and Carol were killed July 20 in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Piapot, Sask. RCMP say the SUV they were travelling in crashed into a semi parked on the side of the road. Alfie Lewis, Carol’s 17-year-old son, was also in the vehicle but survived the crash – sustaining serious injuries as a result. Daniel and Jeff say their losses are being felt across the province and around the world by the people they met. “The reason this tragedy has reached so many people is because they had such an amazing impact everywhere they went,” said Daniel. “Our whole lives, they brought people into the orbit of our family – amazing people. Everywhere we went, they just brought these people into our lives, into our home.” “That’s the greatest gift they every gave us: the family and friends they created, the life they created for us is just something we cannot speak enough about,” he added. Carol, a teacher, lived in Ireland, England, Thailand, Brazil, China, Egypt, Portugal and Abu Dhabi. “The funniest girl I’ve ever met,” younger brother Jeff said. “Through her kids, Ruth and Elsie – their wittiness, the brains they have – oh my goodness." Jeff said there were numerous stories of Carol’s generosity and how she greeted kids at school every day. “She’s the smartest person I’ve ever met, a fierce debater. Small in stature, but a fierce, fierce debater,” Daniel described tearing up. “She’s my hero, she was first hero. She’ll always be my hero.” Still fighting According to the Pratts, Alfie is awake and able to speak at Regina General Hospital, where he is recovering. “Everyday he’s getting better,” Jeff said. “It’s amazing what he’s been through, what he’s survived. He’s saying words, recognizes family and he’s the strength through this for all of us. Thousands of people are using him as power and fuel to get us through this tragedy.” Daniel says Alfie’s character is much like his mother’s. “Our sister was an incredible mom,” he said. “He is such a kind and caring kid … he’s got so much of our sister in him. We’ve always been a very close family, but with what’s happened, you can really feel our whole family really rally around him.” “He’s got so much love and support,” Daniel added. Daniel and Jeff say the support from their local community in Estevan and from around the world is overwhelming. “We can’t say enough for all the messages we’ve received – we’d love so badly to get back to everybody and we will,” said Daniel. “It’s just unbelievable the support our family’s seen during this time.” In light of their experience, Jeff had a simple message for families everywhere. “If [Jim, Judy and Carol] could make even one family close from this tragedy, they would be happy that happened,” he said. “[That’s] my message: love. Love your loved ones, put your things aside. This world needs more love – that’s what those three were about.” Daniel thanked the first responders from Maple Creek RCMP, EMS and STARS Air Ambulance who jumped to action after the collision, as well as the nurses at RGH supporting Alfie through his recovery. “They saved Alfie’s life, but they saved our family,” Daniel said. “We’re so grateful. Heroes do walk amongst us.”
