Ted Parod

Ted Parod, 73, loving husband, father, grandfather and founder of the ALERT air ambulance and rescue program in Kalispell, passed away Sept. 27, 2014.

During his life, Ted flew thousands of hours in airplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons and experimental aircraft. His career included offshore and bush flying in Alaska, search and rescue operations, aerial film work, law enforcement support and fighting forest fires.

He was both a civilian and military flight instructor, a check pilot and safety officer for the Federal Aviation Administration, and a certified emergency medical technician.

Ted was the recipient of the Montana Outstanding Pilot of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the FAA, its second highest award.

The unnecessary death of a logger in Northwest Montana inspired Ted to work to establish aerial medical transport. An entrepreneur, Ted founded Mountain West Helicopters in Kalispell and supported the company with a variety of other aviation work, while making presentations to local civic organizations and encouraging support for a hospital-based air ambulance program.

From ALERT’s inception until the foundation purchased its own helicopter, Mountain West provided the aircraft and pilots for the program.

He was preceded in death by parents Carl Parod and Loretta Harbour; his brother Don; and his first wife Sandra Parod.

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

At Ted’s request, no funeral will be held.