Ronald Edwin Prior, 82

Ronald E. Prior, Ph.D, 82, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away peacefully Oct. 25, 2026, at Hayden Place in Hayden Lake. 

Born on Aug. 4, 1944, in Los Angeles to Darold Edwin and Winifred Prior, he grew up in Westchester and attended Westchester High School. As a teenager, he earned an amateur radio license with the call sign W6RGF. 

Ronald earned a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1967, a master’s degree in 1968, and a doctorate in electronic engineering in 1972. He founded 21st Century Scientific in Los Angeles in 1979. Seeking to improve power wheelchairs, he developed products that increased speed and range and created useful accessories. The BOUNDER power wheelchair launched in 1988. 

He met Susan Harris in 1982 while building the company and often joked that his earlier relationships were “B.S. — Before Susan.” What began as a business meeting became a 44-year relationship. In 1990, they moved the company to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with help from Jobs Plus. The company flourished, and his work continues through BOUNDER wheelchairs and its commitment to individual users. These products can still be viewed today on the web at wheelchairs.com. 

Outside work, Ronald loved rollerblading and ice skating and spent many winters living on the beach in Mazatlán, Mexico. 

He is survived by his wife, Susan Harris, of Hayden, and his sister, Darolyn Prior, of Westminster, Calif. He will be remembered by family and by the many people whose lives were improved by his products. 

A celebration of Ronald’s life for family and friends will be held Nov. 22, 2026. For more information, contact Ron Davidson at [email protected]. 

May his memory continue to inspire all who carry his work forward.

Visit Ronald's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.