Frank Raymond “Monty” Montgomery
1942-2020
Frank Raymond “Monty” Montgomery, beloved husband and patriarch, dedicated and caring man of his word, and charming rascal, passed beyond this life at the age of 78 due to complications from COVID-19.
Monty, as he was known to all, was born on June 5, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. Raised by his mother and grandfather, he became a late 1950’s youth in pursuit of cars, girls and a good time.
Following a brief marriage, he moved to California, married a second time, fathered two children, and happily fulfilled the role of father to the children from his wife’s previous relationship.
He eventually settled into a job he was born to do, involving cars, helping folks out and using his considerable charm, as a Service Writer. He would rise to the top of his profession at both Worthington Ford and, later, at Don A Vee Jeep. He routinely worked 12 hour days, was named top writer multiple times and was adored by coworkers and customers.
His kindness and joking manner put people at ease and his unassuming approach to sales made each customer feel like every repair was essential and that he was their advocate.
Adding to his legendary status were his years as a repo man, dodging guns and angry people, and thoroughly enjoying the thrill of it all.
The great romance that came to define his life was a serendipitous meeting, when a recently separated blonde walked into his regular local hangout. He found her irresistibly pretty, she let the handsome smooth talker buy her a drink and they were never too far from each other ever again. He committed himself, from that evening, to being the best partner and doing anything for her and so it was for over three decades. Their marriage radiated enough love that all of their kids gained a dad or a mom along with brothers and sisters and, regardless of the differences in surname or geography, each was equally welcomed into the Montgomery family.
He was a man who taught his kids that your word matters and he kept his word to his cherished other half until his very last breath. He was old school and one of a kind in the best ways possible. He made sure to take his kids and grandkids fishing, he loved camping, especially at the Colorado River, and was always game for a casino trip.
He thoroughly embraced life, he spoke strongly, he laughed enthusiastically, and he cared very deeply. He made friends everywhere he went and his presence, humor and vigor was known in every restaurant, store, home or office he ever stepped foot in. He enjoyed a strong margarita and a good meal with his family.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Lenora, and is remembered as father to the collected “Montgomery” children, Angie Fox (Berkeley Springs, W.Va.), Tammy Wollaston (deceased), Tracy Mahan (Soquel, Calif.), Joseph Lopez-Clarke (Long Beach, Calif.), John Montgomery (West Covina, Calif.), Queline Montgomery (Lompoc, Calif.); their spouses Timmy, Patrick, Elvia and Marylu; 14 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids.
Given the current pandemic and Monty’s personal wishes, all family and friends are encouraged to memorialize him in your own ways, as there will not be a public service following cremation.
In lieu of flowers you are encouraged to take care of someone less fortunate, donate to a cause that works for equality, or make someone’s day either with a good joke or simply by treating them with kindness and respect.
paid obituary
