Raymond Lyle Montoure passed away on May 28, 2015. He was born on Feb. 21, 1933.
Ray is survived by daughter and son-in-law Katrina and Kevin Ramsey; his beloved grandkids, Jessica and Tyler Demorest; brother David (Susan) Montoure; sister-in-law Paula Montoure; brother and sister-in-law Merritt and Susan Washburn; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Bonnie Larsen; sister-in-law Eunice Washburn; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ethel May Montoure; parents Roland and Minnie Montoure; brother Harold Montoure; sister Minnie “Tuttie” (Lawrence) Dickeson; sister Shirley (Carl) Montoure; brother Roland “Nin” Montoure; and father- and mother-in-law Eddie and Olive Washburn.
Ray (Dad) meant many different things to many people. He was a son, a father figure, a soldier, a business owner, a husband, father and grandpa “papa.” He graduated from Blaine High School in 1951 and always said if it hadn’t been for Gloria Eastman he wouldn’t have graduated. He was then drafted by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He came home and, after several years, married the love of his life: Ethel (Mom) Washburn. Mom got sick with cancer in 2006. He selflessly cared for her right up to her death on Feb. 17, 2015. I (Katrina) was very proud to be their daughter. I witnessed just how much love they had for each other. They were joined at the hip. One didn’t do something without the other.
When Dad took over the Chevron gas station (Montoure’s Chevron) or “the station,” as it was called, in 1957, he had no idea it would become an institution which lasted for 35 years. He said the work was hard, but it was also a lot of fun and the time went by quickly. He hired many of the local high school students. He would talk about many of them and the jokes they played on him or vice-versa. He also said “the boys thought I didn’t know they worked on their cars after I left, I knew they did” and then he’d laugh. If someone needed help, he’d be there. If someone needed a second chance, he’d be there. If someone needed a laugh, he’d be there. His sense of humor was legendary. He was larger than life, my best friend, my partner in crime, my confidante, but most importantly, my Dad. He helped me in so many ways. He said his greatest accomplishment was being able to watch his grandkids, Jessica and Tyler, grow up. He loved them more than words can express. Through many phone calls he always asked how they were doing and if they needed anything. He loved them more than life itself and I know how much they loved him.
When he got sick, his family and former employee, Gary Kocher, stepped up and helped me get the care he needed. I thought of Gary as a “brother” and as far as Dad was concerned, Gary could do no wrong. The folks who called him or stopped by to visit him touched him deeply, and I think he finally realized just how much he meant to so many people. He said he didn’t know he had such a good family and friends.
Dad, Papa, brother, friend and mentor, you will be missed more than words can express. The world got a little dimmer now that you’ve gone to be with Mom, gramma, sister and friend.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15, at 2:30 p.m. at Moles Greenacres followed by a reception. To share memories, please visit www.molesfarewelltributes.com.
