Wayne Warren Montgomery, Jr, our special Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, passed away on July 11, 2018 at age 91 in Helena, Montana from a sudden illness. Wayne was born in Las Angeles, California on December 20, 1926 to Wayne Warren and Eleanor Viola (Delong) Montgomery.
Wayne grew up on his family’s cattle ranch and orange groves in Simi Valley, California where he developed a great love for ranching, the great outdoors, and his Lord Jesus. Near the end of World War II, at the age of 17, Wayne joined the Merchant Marines and worked as a kitchen helper on a Liberty Ship. Wayne proudly joined the Marine Corp at the beginning of the Korean Conflict and achieved the rank of Major. Just before his deployment, Wayne married his first wife, Frieda Annelies Menge, and together they had five precious children. They later separated. Wayne was wounded in active battle and returned highly decorated from Korea. After his recovery, Wayne moved to Montana to help with his father’s cattle ranch. Lakeview, in the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana, ultimately became his home and where he raised his family.
Wayne loved politics and rousing discussions which led to campaigns for Montana Congressman and Montana Governor. Following his political endeavors, Wayne left ranching and began many years of adventures. During this time, his love for writing led him to earn a journalism degree from the University of Montana in Missoula. Wayne also worked in the Kelley underground mine in Butte, owned and operated a Mayflower truck, was the office manager at a construction camp during the Alaskan pipeline construction, and managed the sewer system at a Wyoming ski resort, just to name a few.
One of his adventures led him to San Francisco where, in 1983, at an opera, Wayne met Carol Ann Boertje. Wayne and Carol became immediate sole-mates and married in 1985. They just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. While in San Francisco, Wayne worked as a security guard at the Fairmont Hotel during which time he received employee of the year for the entire United States. Carol and Wayne then moved to Bishop, California where he continued working. Wayne and Carol finally settled in Helena, Montana.
True to his form, with Carol by his side, Wayne never stopped dreaming or chasing adventures. Those who knew Wayne knew of his passion for defending the underdog and he never knew a stranger. Wayne’s love for baseball and the Las Angeles Dodgers took him right up to the end with a game on television. Wayne lived life to its fullest with great energy, love, passion, and compassion and will be greatly missed.
Wayne was preceded in death by Annelies, two sisters and their husbands, Virginia and Loyd Reed, and Audrey and John Busse. Carol’s mother, Virginia Matta, and Carol’s father and step-mother Henry and Victoria Boertje, and Carol’s step-brother Ricky Cox.
Wayne is survived by his Carol. His sister and her husband, Eleanor and Bill Emerick. His brother and his wife, John and Barbara Montgomery. Carol’s brothers, John Boertje and Ed Cox, and Carol’s sister, Judy Boertje, and Annelies’ brother and his wife, Henry and Karen Menge. His five children, Wayne and Julie Montgomery of Yakama, Washington, Mel (Jeanette) Montgomery of Lima and the Centennial Valley, Mary and John Storey of Butte, Montana, Julie and Jody Jackson of Bradenton, Florida, and Lisa and Max Yates of Butte and Lima, Montana. Wayne also had 14 grandchildren, Greg, Sara/Greg, Jonnie Marie/Kris, KayLynn/David, Jesse/Conrad, Rachael/Joe, Max/Jason, Andrew/Shannon, Leanna/Matt, Zac/Katie, Hannah/Brett, Erin, Seth, and Annelies/Tucker. And 31 great grandchildren, Erica, Chris, Jon, Liam, Lena, Ella, Aubrey, Nathan, Dane, Johanna, Claire, Samuel, John, Laura, Aaron, Jacob, Annelies, Mary, Juniper, Cai, Reef, Tali, Josiah, Karlin, Cameron, Ellie, Anna, Haddie, Gabrielle, Wylee, and new baby.
Wayne will be interred at the Lakeview Cemetery in a private ceremony. Friends are invited to join Wayne’s family for a potluck picnic at Mel’s Red Hawk Lodge near Lakeview at 26800 South Valley Road on Saturday, July 21 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice. Wayne especially liked music, art, and children.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 21, 2018
Mel's Red Hawk Lodge
26800 South Valley Road
Near Lakeview , Montana
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 21, 2018
Mel's Red Hawk Lodge
26800 South Valley Road
Near Lakeview , Montana
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Kathleen Broussard says
Carol,
I am so sorry about Wayne. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Kathleen Broussard