Joseph Prior, 87 years of age, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather peacefully returned home on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2006, at his home in Provo, Utah. Born in Dundee, Scotland on October 19, 1918, Joseph was the sixth of eight children born to John Prior and Elizabeth Cahill Prior. He was so proud of his Scottish heritage. He served his country in the British Armed forces in World War II, fighting for our freedom. He was one of 350,000 British troops rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk, France. During the war, he met his beloved Elsie Isobel Beattie in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, and "it was love at first sight." They were married on April 14, 1941, Conlig, Northern Ireland. Three daughters were born to them.
On October 24, 1950, in Bangor, Elders Dallas Burnett and Glade Calder introduced themselves to Joseph and were invited into his home where he and his wife accepted the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, for which their family will be eternally grateful. Joseph and Elsie were baptized on April 21, 1951. They emigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal where Joseph worked as an aerospace engineer. He and his wife and daughters were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1960. Joseph had two great loves in his life: his family and missionary work. He taught the gospel at home, at church, at street meetings, at work, and to whomever would listen. He and his beloved Elsie served as full time missionaries, assigned to the Utah Salt Lake North Mission, Temple Square, from April 1985 to October 1986, remaining thereafter to do volunteer work. They later moved to Provo, Utah to be near their daughters and their grandchildren.
Joseph has spent the final years of his life in loving service to his wife, Elsie. He will be remembered for this great example of eternal love and service. His family has followed his legacy and preached the gospel to the four corners of the earth. By the example of his missionary zeal and legacy, his children and grandchildren have served 16 missions, including Elder Jed Sybrowsky, currently serving in the California Fresno Mission. He will be missed dearly by his beloved wife, family, friends, and all who knew him. We have no doubt that his missionary skills will continue to be greatly utilized.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Anne, and six siblings. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Elsie Isobel Beattie Prior; by daughters, Elsie (Bill) Bancroft and Lynne (Paul) Sybrowsky; by 21 grandchildren; by 35 great-grandchildren; by his brother Albert (Margaret); and by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Edgemont 4th Ward Chapel, 4000 North Timpview Drive, Provo. A viewing will be held at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, Sunday evening, February 19, 2006, from 7-9 p.m. and at the Edgemont 4th Ward Chapel on Monday, February 20, 2006 from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the East Lawn Cemetery following the funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the LDS Missionary Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D4.
On October 24, 1950, in Bangor, Elders Dallas Burnett and Glade Calder introduced themselves to Joseph and were invited into his home where he and his wife accepted the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, for which their family will be eternally grateful. Joseph and Elsie were baptized on April 21, 1951. They emigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal where Joseph worked as an aerospace engineer. He and his wife and daughters were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1960. Joseph had two great loves in his life: his family and missionary work. He taught the gospel at home, at church, at street meetings, at work, and to whomever would listen. He and his beloved Elsie served as full time missionaries, assigned to the Utah Salt Lake North Mission, Temple Square, from April 1985 to October 1986, remaining thereafter to do volunteer work. They later moved to Provo, Utah to be near their daughters and their grandchildren.
Joseph has spent the final years of his life in loving service to his wife, Elsie. He will be remembered for this great example of eternal love and service. His family has followed his legacy and preached the gospel to the four corners of the earth. By the example of his missionary zeal and legacy, his children and grandchildren have served 16 missions, including Elder Jed Sybrowsky, currently serving in the California Fresno Mission. He will be missed dearly by his beloved wife, family, friends, and all who knew him. We have no doubt that his missionary skills will continue to be greatly utilized.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Anne, and six siblings. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Elsie Isobel Beattie Prior; by daughters, Elsie (Bill) Bancroft and Lynne (Paul) Sybrowsky; by 21 grandchildren; by 35 great-grandchildren; by his brother Albert (Margaret); and by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Edgemont 4th Ward Chapel, 4000 North Timpview Drive, Provo. A viewing will be held at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, Sunday evening, February 19, 2006, from 7-9 p.m. and at the Edgemont 4th Ward Chapel on Monday, February 20, 2006 from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the East Lawn Cemetery following the funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the LDS Missionary Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D4.
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