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PRIOR, Edward Gary
1938 – 2025
It is with sadness, yet honor and love, that we announce the passing of Dr. Gary Prior O.D. (Dr. of Optometry) in Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the age of 86 years. Edward Gary Prior was born to Charles and Estelle Prior in Emo, Ontario, and spent much of his childhood in Brandon, Manitoba. It was in Brandon that he began his lifelong love of golf as a junior and played and caddied throughout his school years. Gary attended the University of Toronto to attain his Doctor of Optometry, and graduated in a class of just seventeen students, from The College of Optometry of Ontario in 1964. During his university years, Gary greatly enjoyed fraternity life. While in University, Gary was a member of the Canadian Forces ‘Canadian Officer Training Corps’. (COTC). Some of his fondest memories were doing his service and training at Camp Borden and his affinity for the armed forces lasted a lifetime. Upon graduation, Gary returned to Brandon and practiced in Southern Manitoba for two years, travelling to small towns throughout the region to provide optometric services to those that would otherwise not have access. From there, he headed to Red Deer, Alberta, and joined the practice of Dr. R.D. Bannister, taking over the practice after Dr. Bannister’s retirement. Maintaining the family traditions of the practice, Barb Sloan (nee Bannister) worked with Gary until his retirement in the early 2000’s. Dr. G. Leinweber said of Gary, that he was immensely respected in the profession and practiced to the highest of standards. His practice and the relationships built with clients were the privileges of his life. Gary was a founding member of DEN (Doctors Eyecare Network). Gary was a member of the Red Deer Country Club from his arrival in Red Deer and was a committed and active member. He served as Club President and twice won the club championship. He was a long-term member of the Wingers Golf Association, a group of local men who travel for an annual golf event that inspired lifelong friendships and comradery. Gary also joined the Innisfail Golf Club and enjoyed many games, and the friendships made there. Gary was especially proud that he was able to play famous courses around the world. Playing The Old Course at St. Andrews and Pebble Beach was the thrill of a lifetime for Gary. Gary loved nothing more than a game of crib or smear and the banter with friends that flowed during the games. In later years, he was always in constant contact online with friends and family. He managed a much-subscribed email service to innumerable friends, sending jokes and stories daily that always brought a laugh and maintained a connection. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his children, Susan Prior, Daniel Prior (Carlena), his grandson, Felix, and Carol Lundgren. It is our hope to have a Celebration of Gary’s life in the future, and for now to ask all who knew Gary to raise a glass in his memory. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Thursday February 20th 2025
Death notice for the town of: Red-Deer, Province: Alberta
death notice Edward Gary Prior Thursday February 20th 2025
obituaries notice Edward Gary Prior Thursday February 20th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Edward Gary Prior Thursday February 20th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
