Ted Parod

Ted Parod, loving husband, father, grandfather, and founder of the A.L.E.R.T air ambulance and rescue program in Kalispell, Montana passed away Sept. 27, 2014, at the age of 73.

During his career as a pilot, he flew thousands of hours including offshore and bush flying in Alaska, search and rescue, aerial film work, law enforcement support, and fighting forest fires. He was a civilian and military flight instructor, a check pilot and safety officer for the FAA, and a certified EMT and the winner of numerous aviation and safety awards.

After retiring from flying, Ted wrote several books, was a founding member of the Arizona Book Publishing Association and eventually settled into ranching in the Columbus area where he has resided for the last 10 years. He served on the boards of both the Columbus Rural Fire District and the Farmers Union Trading Company in Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debbie, and their children, Dr. Jennifer Parod and husband Dr. Steven Howell, Katie Hansen and husband Erik Hansen, Daniel Parod, Christopher Parod, and Bobbi Parod, and grandchildren Reagan and Jackson Hansen.

At Ted's request, no funeral will be held. A reception for family and friends will be held in the Columbus Fire Department community room from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department.