SURPRISE, Ariz. – It is with a heavy heart and cherished memories that we announce the passing of John Wayne Montgomery at the age of 72. John passed on July 30, surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with cancer in Surprise.
John, a longtime resident of East Hardwick, Vt., moved to Surprise to be close to his son, Beau Hudson and Misty and his grandchildren. The son of Craig Montgomery and Louise (Noyes) Montgomery, he graduated from Hazen Union High School in 1972. John worked at Hardwick Knitwear in his early years. He was employed by various concrete contracting firms and also worked as a carpenter.
He was an active member of the East Hardwick Congregational Church and in 2007, John was presented with a Community Citizen Award, recognizing his years of being a good neighbor. His friends and neighbors noted the various ways he helped others during the year. Walkways were mysteriously shoveled during the winter months, mail was delivered to sick friends, telephone calls were made asking if help was needed, advice for some of homeowner’s chores, errands to the store, planning the children’s parade, and the ever-diligent attention to the local church and Grange Hall, just some of the many, many examples of his community spirit.
John always had a smile. He loved life and family and his friends. He was a genuine, funny, a caring man, who was always ready to pitch in. John loved going on treasure hunts for antique bottles in his early years. He liked hunting, fishing, reading and photography. While in Arizona, he added a new hobby of Frisbee golf.
John treasured his friends Ken and Patty Eastman, Dave Ewertz and Debbie, Renaud and Maureen Demers, James (Donna) Casavant, and the list goes on and on. He also made many new friends during his time in Surprise. Among them are Brenda Heath, Clayton Heath, Sherrie Nice, Robert Nice, Gwen Scott and Erin Spencer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Craig and Louise Montgomery, Brenda Withers Montgomery (wife) in 1981, Charlene St. John Montgomery (wife) in 2019, and his high school buddy and lifetime friend, Joe Fecteau (who also died from cancer).
He is survived by his son, Beau Hudson and Misty Hudson; his grandchildren, Nick, Samantha, Aunna, Lily, Bryce, and Ava.; his siblings, Nancy (Dennis) Lacroix of Charlevoix, Mich., Marylou Wells (Ronald) of Plainfield, Dennis (Lorraine) Montgomery of Walden, Deb (Tony) Lacasse of Barre, and his twin brother Jeffery Montgomery (Shelly) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on August 23, at Montgomery Barn on Montgomery Road in East Hardwick, 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Vermont Cancer Society and Science Care in Phoenix, AZ.
Beau, Misty, and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I am lucky to have had the honor of getting to know John in the SAR community. He was a special person & will never be forgotten. I miss you John….RIP dear friend. 💕