John Loran

John Francis Loran, 80 of Missoula, passed away on Tuesday, July 16 of natural causes.

He was born June 24, 1944 in Missoula to Elizabeth and Sebastian Loran. John was educated in Missoula Catholic schools and Graduated from Loyola High School. He learned his hard work ethic early on selling papers on street corners with his brothers and working at Singer's Service Station. He went to college in Denver, where he earned his associate’s degree for diesel mechanics. He later enlisted in the US Navy in 1967 and served as a marine mechanic on the USS Oklahoma City until 1971. He was a patriotic man and developed a strong love for his country that has been instilled in each of his grandchildren.

While serving in the US Navy, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and met his wife Ryoko “Chiko”. They were married on November 13, 1971 in Missoula. John continued using his skills as a heavy equipment mechanic working at the Intermountain Mill, then at the Stimson Lumber Mill until he retired in 2006. He also used his mechanic skills to help friends and family repair their vehicles, typically free of cost in his garage. John was a very hard working man, when he wasn’t spending hours working overtime to support his family, he was attending his boys’ sporting events, traveling across the country to attend numerous track meets.

 He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and especially loved camping with his family. In his retirement, he found a love for working in his yard, and restoring his ‘55 Chevy pickup. Additionally, he enjoyed cheering on the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Denver Broncos. He was thrilled to be a grandfather and developed special relationships with each of his grandchildren, always teasing and joking with them. John was a man of few words, however when he spoke, people listened. 

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, John was preceded in death by his parents Elizaberh and Sebastian Loran, his sister Kathleen McCarvel and his brothers, Bob, Pat and Jim Loran. He is survived by his wife, “Chiko”, Missoula; two sons and their families, Ed (Chanci) Loran Sandy, UT, and Nick (Abra) Loran, Missoula; one brother, Joseph Loran, Conrad; two sisters, Tricia Loran, and Liz Van Nice of Missoula; grand children: Lucas, Landon, Ashlyn, and Noella Loran, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 A service will be held Monday, August 5 at 12:00 pm at Garden City Funeral Home located at 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59808 with Father Ed Kohler officiating. The burial will follow at 1:30 pm at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery at 1911 Tower St, Missoula, MT 59804. A luncheon will be provided by the family, following the service at Garden City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Disabled American Veterans. https://help.dav.org/