Michael Priddy

MICHAEL ROBERT PRIDDY

To understand the extraordinary life of Mike Priddy, you have to know he had many titles.

To his wife Susan, Michael Robert Priddy was the love of her life for more than 44 years, her forever boyfriend, and her soulmate. To his parents Walter and Jane, he was a beloved son, and to his siblings David and Sandra, a dependable and loving brother. And to his 5 daughters – Erin, Catie, Molly, Sammy, and Emma – he was simply known as dad, an irreplaceable and legendary man.

In the Missoula and Montana communities, many knew him as Dr. Priddy, a dedicated and thoughtful family practice physician. His brothers in arms knew him as U.S. Army Major Mike Priddy, an Army Ranger, parachutist and military surgeon.

And at 6’8”, to those who saw him in public – whether it was watching his daughters play sports all across Montana or finding various treasures at Costco – he was likely known as Wow, He’s Tall!

Mike’s life began in Forrest City, Arkansas on October 27, 1948. Born to Walter and Jane Priddy, he and his siblings David and Sandra grew up with a love for the outdoors. Mike loved his excursions with the Boy Scouts, where he earned his Eagle Scout badge, and took his love for nature all the way to his degree in Outdoor Recreation from Colorado State University.

He attended CSU on an ROTC scholarship and in 1970 earned the Distinguished Military Graduate award as the top ROTC graduate. He was commissioned as an officer into the U.S. Army after graduation, and eventually earned his tab as a U.S. Army Ranger and parachutist at Fort Benning. Mike became a Jungle Expert through Jungle Training in Panama. He served in the Vietnam War with the 1^st Cavalry overseas from 1971 to 1972, and received an honorable discharge in 1975. Following Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska with the infantry Arctic Brigade. He would leave active duty when his heart called him to study medicine, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was called back into service for Operation Desert Storm, and he remained dedicated to his fellow servicemen and women throughout his life.

Mike and Sue met in 1976, just as he started medical school in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Sue was working as a nurse.  They were married in her home province of Ontario on April 1, 1978, and moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where they welcomed Erin and Catie.

They moved to Missoula, Montana in 1983, where Mike started working as a family practice physician, in private practice and for both of the city’s hospitals. He truly listened to his patients, and they loved him for it. Soon, Molly, Sammy, and Emma joined the party, and for many years, you could find Mike quietly sitting at the head of the dinner table, taking in the continuous chatter and chaos of his five girls.

The Priddy’s Holy Family church community became an extended family, all together in life’s joy, grief, laughter, and many wild stories from camping and canoe trips. Mike was dedicated to his faith, sharing it with his family, friends and his Emmaus community. He loved music and to sing, and was a frequent bass in churches of many denominations.

Mike served as a mentor for the Montana Veterans Treatment Court, and on the board of directors for Intermountain, providing better lives for children in need. Both programs held a special place in his heart.

Mike loved Montana and all of its hunting, fishing, and general splendor. He and Sue explored everywhere together, especially when they had time to take their RV on adventures around the country. They traveled the world, but would always say Montana was heaven on Earth. And one of the titles Mike was most proud of was Papa, grandpa to 11 grandchildren who brought so much light and joy to his life.

For a decade, Mike and Sue bravely confronted the many trials and obstacles of cancer. They found solace in one another, in their family, and in God. And he gave everything he had to stay as long as he could.

Mike Priddy died on January 21, 2023, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Sue, his daughters and grandchildren, his brother and sister, and many whose lives he touched in some way. We will miss and love him forever. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mike’s name to Intermountain or send it to Intermountain

3240 Dredge Dr., Helena, MT 59602.