Published 11/23/07

Totem gym named in honor of former coach

The gym at Totem Middle School was filled with energetic students on November 9 as school district staff and community members gathered to officially dedicate the school gymnasium in honor of former teacher and coach Monty Parratt.

Parratt taught physical education and coached football and track at Marysville Junior High before the school name was changed to Totem. The respected teacher was killed in a car accident several years ago.

Clyde Nordgren, former assistant principal at MJHS said, “Monty Parratt was one of Marysville’s finest citizens.”

Parratt was an avid hiker and especially loved Glacier National Park where he served as a park ranger in the 1960s. Nordgren said Parratt’s name was “still revered” among the hikers and mountain climbers at Glacier.

“Monty was the guardian of all who suffered,” said Nordgren. As a coach, Parratt considered a successful season one that saw the personal development of each athlete on the team, regardless of wins and losses.

Tulalip tribal member Don Hatch reflected on Parratt’s contribution to the community and the effects of his loss. At Parratt’s memorial service, Hatch honored the teacher’s impact by presenting his family with a native blanket to “wrap the family in love.”

Greg Erickson, Totem Middle School athletic director, joined the Parratt family in unveiling a plaque commemorating the gym dedication.