Steve Prichard passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Roanoke, VA. at age 95.

Born in Hollywood, CA, he grew up the third of five children in Pasadena. During college he participated in Christian mission work in Africa and Korea. He graduated with a B.A. from Occidental College, majoring in political science and philosophy while serving four years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Further education included an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, majoring in ethics. He described his cognitive dissonance in reconciling his search for truth with the biblical and political orthodoxy of his church and family. That tension would play out as a continuing theme in his lifelong study of the psychology of religion and his keen interest in politics.

After seminary, he was hired by Rev. Dr. George E. Sweazey, at Huguenot Presbyterian Church in Pelham, NY.  Steve was the youth minister when he married Dr. Sweazey’s daughter, Anne. They raised their two daughters in Pelham, where they lived for 20 years. At Huguenot, Steve discovered his life’s calling—pastoral psychotherapy. After a three-year clinical internship at the Institute of Religion and Health in NYC, Steve spent the next 35 years there as Director of Training and Vice President of the Clinic and Training programs. His private psychotherapy practice extended from 1965-1997 in Lebanon, NH where he retired.

He married Carol Burmeister in 1997 while living in Grantham NH. They participated in a number of church work trips over the years, and singing in their church choir and community choirs was a given wherever they lived. Music of all kinds, from chorale to barbershop to jazz, was a lifelong joy for Steve, particularly with his deep, beautiful baritone voice. Steve and Carol also played key roles in social justice activities (community dinners, cold weather shelters in Florida). Steve was deeply concerned for those less fortunate and the immense suffering he saw in the world. He would often comment on the state of world affairs trying to convey his concerns through letters to the editor in almost every town where he lived.

Steve leaves his wife Carol, daughter Laura (Fred), Granddaughter Catherine (Mike) (Children Raelyn, Bennett), Granddaughter Lily, and daughter Pamela (Steve), Granddaughter Madeline (Daughter Hattie), Grandson Sam, Granddaughter Gracie. Steve was predeceased by his four siblings.

Steve was an appreciative man—often saying how grateful he was for Carol, how proud he was of his daughters, and how delighted he was by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a passionate believer in justice for all. In lieu of flowers, a Tribute gift to the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama (an organization providing legal representation for prisoners who have been unjustly convicted) would honor Steve’s commitment to equity and his support for the cause of human rights.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the family.