Joseph "Joe" Pryor

Our hearts are full of sadness announcing the passing of Joseph Robert Pryor, “Joe”, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

No service will be held at this time.

Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to Kidney Foundation of Canada, Saskatchewan Branch as gifts of remembrance.

Joe was born in Coronach, SK.  on May 28, 1955 to James “Jim” and Doreen (Genswien) Pryor.  Joe attended school and grew up in Oxbow, SK. He loved the outdoors and spent most days after school getting into some kind of trouble with his buddy Bruce Henderson. Joe also spent time at Kenosee Lake and enjoyed playing water polo. Joe loved animals from a very young age and always had pets, dogs, cats, a red fox his grandpa gave him and a family horse.  Joe once rode the horse to the movie theatre then walked home after the show forgetting the horse.  Joe spent a lot of time in Regina visiting relatives and he enjoyed staying with his Uncle Jim and Aunt Doris.  The story is, he woke up in the night to use the bathroom and opened up the closet door and peed in his Uncle Jim’s RCMP riding boots.

Joe moved with his family to Hudson Bay in his early teens where he would of course get into trouble at school and later began working at McMillan Bloedel.  Joe made many new friends in Hudson Bay, all of whom he loved and talked about.  He spent a lot of time with Ralph Hallen and Darlene Cross.  Joe and Ralph loved muscle cars and regardless of the kind of car they would be driving it as fast as it could go.  Joe was full of life, wild and free! He literally lit up main street!

Joe met his wife, Debby Palagian at a car rally “after party” which he hosted.  They married on October 16, 1982 and their together adventures began, touring Europe, starting in Greece with a warm welcome from Joe’s Hudson Bay school friends, Cam and Val Cowan.  They returned to Regina six months later in a cab C.O.D. from the airport to Joe’s parents place and then began building their home life together.

In Regina, Joe worked driving a water truck for Botkin Construction.  He also was employed doing building maintenance at Gladmore Developments.  Joe again made many friends easily with his kind, generous, and warm personality.  Joe and Deb hosted many fun parties in Regina.  Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing and would go on trips with his buddies and have all kinds of fun stories to tell.

In September 1988, Joe and Deb moved to Winfield B.C., where they lived until January 2021.  Joe worked for Capit Canopys in Kelowna after his Vancouver back surgery recovery.  He installed truck accessories and drove truck and trailer to Vancouver, picking up inventory and supplies. Joe loved boating, living in the Okanagan and enjoyed every minute he could with his buddies Jerry, Larry, Bob, Murray, and Roy out on Wood and Kalamalka Lakes. Joe loved golfing with friends on the beautiful courses of B.C. He was in a pool league with his friends playing the Okanagan bars. Due to Joe’s medical history of back pain and surgery, he had to change careers.

It was June, 1996, where Joe began his management life at Lake Country Farm and Pet in Winfield.  Here he was very happy working with all the animals, well not so much the snake, but loving his birds, Max, Tilly and Duff.  Joe loved teasing his customers and telling them stories.  He would always come home, smiling from ear to ear, telling Deb the stories he concocted for them.  Deb recalls him saying some of them replied with F Bombs and they would all burst out laughing together.  He even started the rumor he was running for mayor.  All his customers were familiar with the “back in 10 minutes’ sign, wondering where he was driving to have a quick beer and puff.  After 24 years the business sold and Joe and Deb retired in Kamloops where Joe was on the golf course with a sack of beer and a full pipe. He loved the sun and the heat and Zihuatanejo, Mexico, was their winter vacation for many years.  Of course he made many friends there as well. 

In 2024 Joe and Deb moved back to Hudson Bay to be near family.   Unfortunately, Joe’s health took a turn and he had to start the fight.  All those that knew Joe loved him and laughed with him.

Joe is predeceased by his father, Jim; mother, Doreen; father-in-law, John and brothers-in-law, Irv and Mike.

Joe leaves behind his wife, Deb; sister, Faye; brother, Doug (Tanya); his mother-in-law, Margaret; his sisters-in-law, Betty, Sally (Brian), Linda and brother-in-law, Alan (Sharon); many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nephews and many cousins. 

We all love you and will have you in our hearts forever.  Our memories will be treasured. Rest in Peace Joe.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.