Norman William Montague

July 24, 1940 – January 1, 2023

Norman W. Montague passed away peacefully on Sunday January 1, 2023 in Merced. Norman was 82 years old and a long time El Nido farmer. Born in Orange, California, Norman was preceded in death by his parents William Hibbard Montague and Frances Elizabeth (Schultz) Montague and siblings Robert C. Montague and Virginia M. Craig. Norman was also preceded in death by his sons James and John Montague.

Primarily citrus growers in Fullerton and Anaheim, Norman was his dads shadow on the family farm. Norman attended Anaheim High and filled his days to the brim with water polo practice, FFA competitions (Parli-Pro his favorite), hog and steer raising and showing.

Norman graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (‘62) and on June 23, 1962 married Mary Alice (Mady) Diffenderfer. The couple moved to Davis, where Norman earned his MS degree in agronomy and then accepted a position as a Riverside County farm advisor in Blythe. Norm’s farm conversations often began with, “When I was in Blythe…”

Norman and his young family left Blythe to be raisin and fresh fruit farmers in the Sanger area of the Central Valley. Then in 1972 Norman and his “crew” moved to the Waldo Hills near Silverton, Oregon where he raised grass seed, wheat and pigs. In 1976 this itinerant farmer moved to the El Nido area to begin his long career in pork production, row-crops and almonds. He always planted a large garden and took pride in his asparagus, tomatoes and onions! He enlisted lots of help and used large equipment wherever possible.

Norman loved God, his family and farming. He was always curious and asked lots of questions. He sang in choirs most of his life. As a loyal supporter of the pork industry and local farm organizations, he served on the UC Davis Advisory Committee, National Pork Board and various other committees and boards. He travelled to meetings and events all over the US. Road trips were always on the calendar. Visits with his grandchildren anytime were his pleasure. Norman looked forward each week to Sunday worship at church. He enjoyed being involved in study and fellowship with His church family.

Norman is survived by his wife Mady, son Tom (wife Kimberly) and son Mark (wife Jill). He is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren. They call him “Paka.” Norman enthusiastically kept track of all his family, in-laws and friends. He loved phone calls and visits to hear of the adventures of all. Norm never lost an opportunity to engage others in conversation. Whether a pest control advisor, a tractor salesman, banker, or merchant; Norm was always ready to chat. Stories of Norman’s wonderful life will be on our lips for years to come.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Anglican Church at 1374 Shaffer Road, Atwater, CA 95301 Fr. Gerry Grossman, Rector. Following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshment will be held in the Parish Hall at the same address.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Montague family.