Lynn Ryle Pryse

BAKER CITY – Lynn Ryle Pryse, 82, formerly of Prairie City, died Oct. 21. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Mr. Pryse was born April 11, 1933, in Prairie City, to Gladys and John Pryse. He attended Prairie City High School where he excelled in basketball, football and general pranks. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in California. After his service, he was recruited to play football for Eastern Oregon College.

On September 11, 1955, he married Sandra Yokom, which began a 60-year adventure.

He began his professional career with a series of leadership positions in varied fields. He worked in the timber industry, helped open the first Les Schwab store in Burns, managed the swimming pool in John Day, and ultimately worked for California Pacific utility for 30 years. He retired from Oregon Trail Electric Co-Op in 1993 and embarked upon an active retired life.

His hobbies included archery, hunting, golfing, camping, fishing, his Alpenlite travel club, watching his grandchildren in various sports and activities, and giving back to his community.

He was active in the Baker City and Burns Lions clubs, the golf board, American Red Cross, Trail Tenders, the Episcopal Church and various service organizations throughout Eastern Oregon. He was chairman of the State 1A basketball tournament for several years and enjoyed watching basketball at Baker High School.

He was a welcoming man who never knew a stranger, and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sandra Pryse; children, Cammy (Fred Jr.) Warner of Baker City, Kevin (Donna) Pryse of Burns, Mary (Jim) Gerson of San Clemente, Calif. and Jennifer (Kevin) Riley of Milton-Freewater; brother, Dean Pryse of Parkdale; step-brothers, Marv Sumner of Baker City and Richard Sumner; grandchildren, Courtney (Adam) Warner Crowell, Mackenzie Warner, Jamie and Katrina Pryse, Taryn and Bryce Gerson, and Megan, William (Mica) Riley and Camille Riley; and great-grandchild Hazel Crowell.

He was preceded in death by his brother Daryl Pryse.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Baker City Episcopal Church or the Baker High School Athletic fund.