From the Pryor family

On behalf of the Pryor family, I wish to thank all those responsible for their prayers, kind wishes and love in helping us celebrate the life of our son and brother Kevin Patrick Pryor. Kevin was born, raised and schooled in Oak Park. He died two weeks ago after returning home from the wildland fires in Northern California.

I apologize for an inconvenience caused by the street closures. The procession of over 68 fire trucks and engines from over 30 different departments from California, Nevada and Arizona were somewhat unexpected.

We also wish to thank the Ventura County Fire Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol for their professional handling of the traffic problem.

Kevin was very proud of his Oak Park roots and would always bring up this subject when someone else spoke of their hometown. His brother firefighters from Newport Beach were amazed when they arrived in our community and most said they didn't realize places like Oak Park still exist in Southern California. They were referring to the friendly atmosphere and outpouring of affection they received and witnessed. We also thank you for that love.

The article about Kevin in the June 26 Acorn by Sophia Fischer was well researched and a help to our family. She told about the life and times of Kevin and his love of life. Although we lost a son, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and godfather, we have gained a new guardian looking down on us in Oak Park, always ready to answer that bell. Mark Pryor Oak Park