David J. Pritchard

Jan 16, 1948 -

Sep 25, 2025

David John Pritchard was born January 16, 1948 in Lewisham, UK. He passed away September 25, 2025 in Victoria, BC, Canada with his wife Carolyn at his side.

David's family moved to Uganda when he was four years old. He attended Entebbe Primary School and the Duke of York School in Nairobi. At 16, returned to the UK to study for his A level finals and admission to Cambridge University, from which he received an MA degree in Mechanical Sciences in 1969. He was immediately hired by BP to work in Libya.

David had a long and distinguished career in the oil industry. During his thirty years with SOHIO and BP, he held operational, engineering, and executive positions in North Africa, the Middle East, the UK, Alaska and other US locations. In Alaska, he oversaw development of Endicott, the first offshore oil field in the Arctic Ocean, and managed BP's interests and operations in Prudhoe Bay. He served as president of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company before taking on international assignments as president of BP Azerbaijan and later, Azerbaijan International Oil Company. Subsequently, he worked as a consultant for a number of years.

Upon retirement, David and his first wife Anita returned to Anchorage where he continued his consulting work and pursued volunteer interests. Anita died from cancer in 2005. In 2012, David married Carolyn Anketell, a former neighbor from his childhood in Uganda with whom he had reconnected. He moved to Victoria, BC, Canada to join her, following their marriage. David was a devoted husband to Carolyn and to Anita.

David valued the friendships he made, maintaining connections with work colleagues and others over decades and across continents. He was endlessly curious and genuinely interested in what others had to share. David was valued for his generosity and kindness, quietly helping individuals and organizations. As a leader at BP, he enthusiastically participated in the company's community efforts. He continued to volunteer upon his retirement, including service to Providence Hospital and the Anchorage Opera Foundation.

David leaves behind his wife, Carolyn; brothers, Robert (Dorte) and Trevor (Julie); his brothers' children and grandchildren; daughter, Fallon Pritchard; granddaughter, Raylin Phlem; and stepdaughter, Emma Thomas.

Family will hold a small service and burial in Victoria. A Celebration of Life is planned for Anchorage at a later date.