A young father was persistent and determined to acquire a good job to support his family. He made trip after trip to the Similco Mine, only to be constantly told there was no work.
Not giving up, Art Pratico bundled up his young son Rick and went to visit the mine manager at his home. Art told the manager that he was mature and that he (the manager) would not regret hiring him.
Art was hired as a labourer soon after. That was in 1972 and he was 23 years old.
Art continued to work at Similco, working his way up through the ranks while he and his wife Linda raised their two children; Rick and Shelly.
In 1988 with the closure of Similco, the company whisked Art and family away to Houston, B.C. where Art continued his career with Huckleberry Mines, eventually working his way to management.
When Art heard about Copper Mountain opening in Princeton—he wanted to come back in the worst way. In 2010 he and Linda returned to home Princeton where Art worked as Mine Operations manager until shortly before his passing on January 13 of this year.
Co-worker and friend of 25 years, Bill Van Damme gave the eulogy at the Celebration of Life held May 24 at River’s Edge R.V. Park.
He spoke of Art’s dedication to mining, of how Art made sure you had fun while you were working, his determination to get things done and how he made the best of every opportunity. “It was amazing to watch Art work,” he said, “Art created relationships with people – it’s how he got things done.”
Chief Executive Officer, Jim O’Rourke presented Linda with a photo of Art on behalf of the Copper Mountain family. “Art was a fantastic man who contributed to our Copper Mountain family,” he said.
The Celebration of Life was organized by Linda Low, Bill Van Damme and Jim O’Rourke, members of Art’s Copper Mountain family.
Art’s family expressed their appreciation to Copper Mountain, Dinny & Beryl Mullin,the Kal Tire and Site Services crews, all the volunteers for their help and to everyone for the kindness expressed.
Art’s grandaughter, Ashley, gave everyone present a reminder of what is truly important.
Nov. 1, 1949 – Jan. 13, 2014
“What matters most is the dash between those years. Those who loved him know what that dash is worth,” she said.
