Garland Lloyd Pryor, 91

Garland Lloyd Pryor, 91, fired up his Super Cub plane one last time on July 20, 2021, and flew back home to be with his family in Whitehall, Montana after passing of natural causes. Garland left a wonderful legacy of love for his family, adventure for the outdoors and a lifelong passion for aviation.

Garland was born on February 23, 1930, in Denton, Montana. His accomplishments are many. After graduating from High School in Whitehall, Montana, he joined the Air Force on July 8, 1948, at age 18. Garland entered flight school and was in training to be a jet fighter pilot for the Korean war when he felt the pull to go back to Whitehall and help with the family Texaco Service Station. Garland left the Air Force after six years with an Honorable Discharge.

After helping with the family business, his next step was following his lifelong love of aviation. Garland started working Air Traffic Control in Miles City, Montana. He retired from his career as an Air Traffic Controller after 39 and a half years in Missoula, Montana in 1991.

Garland had a multitude of things he loved to do. Air shows, air museums or just gazing at every plane that happened to fly over. The outdoors did not take a backseat. Daily walks were always a part of his routine, just to get outside. Fishing and camping with family were right at the top of his list. From South Boulder creek by Whitehall to Spotted Bear on the South Fork of the Flathead River, Garland was always there playing cards and telling stories. Best scenario would be having a plane fly over while on a camping trip.

Garland collected arrowheads while serving in Texas. He loved dogs, of which he had many. You could find him spending time at a local coffee clutch and the Jefferson Valley Museum in Whitehall.

Garland most recently lived in Port Orchard, Washington for over 20 years, where he lived with his oldest child, Kimberley Lefler since 1991. He also spent an abundant amount of time with his two sons traveling to the Spokane, Washington area. Kyle Pryor, Garland's middle child, lives in Mead, Washington just north of Spokane. His youngest child, Kevin Pryor, lives and operates a restaurant in Otis Orchards, Washington, east of Spokane.

Garland Pryor is survived by his former wife, Barbara Culpepper and their children Kim Lefler, Kyle and Kevin Pryor. Grandkids include Bryan Lefler, Carrie Green, Casey Juhasz, Amanda Bertzius, Caden Pryor, Jacqueline Layton, Kelly Pryor and Kris Pryor. A slew of great grand kids, 11 in total, along with all the family spouses. He is preceded in death by his parents Slim and Maudie Pryor, sister Joanne Strozzi and brother Deen Pryor.

To honor Garland's memory, donations can be made to Jefferson Valley Museum in Whitehall, Montana.