Gilbert Jerry Montanez

Gilbert J. Montanez was born on September 22, 1959, in Loma Linda, CA and died peacefully at home in Riverside, CA on December 21, 2020, surrounded by family and loved ones. Also on this day, visible in the night sky and occurring only every 800 years was the Star of Bethlehem.

Gilbert was a loving husband to Sally for 23 years (they were together for 25 years) and a caring father to Issac. He was the son of Salvador Sr. and Chena Montanez.

A blind date arranged by a friend brought Gilbert and Sally together at the age of 35. It was at an Italian restaurant in Riverside that the two enjoyed their first meal together. Three years later, with Gilbert’s usual attention to detail, on a planned visit to San Francisco at sunset on the steps outside the Maritime Museum overlooking a small quiet beach with a ring in hand, he proposed to Sally. They were married February 21, 1998.

Their relationship was immensely enriched with the birth of their son Issac. Gilbert’s commitment as a father was profound. He was ever observant and attentive and always tried to make a connection between his life and Issac’s. Believing that conflict could be resolved through patience, respectful listening and conversation, Gilbert never faltered in the emotional work required to build and sustain a healthy bond between a parent and their child. As Issac matured to young adulthood, Gilbert steadfastly continued to build on his relationship with his son. In planning a family vacation to Mammoth, Gilbert was determined to be able to share with his son, an avid snowboarder, the Mammoth experience. He engaged in rigorous physical preparation for the trip and was immensely proud that he was able to revive the skills and conditioning required to ski along-side his snowboarding son.

Gilbert was brought up in a loving and close-knit family. He was a patient man and family was very important to him. Vacations were about inviting everyone. Spending time with his family, as well as Sally’s family. Gilbert always tried to make time for everyone, whether it was venturing on road trips with his compadre both on Harley motorcycles, family barbecues, or quick to answer family calls for home repairs. He was also a die-hard Pittsburg Steelers fan.

Gilbert was a very sentimental person. Photographs of annual trips with family or friends were important to Gilbert, especially photos of the same location marking the passage of time and change. He always had a positive outlook on life and was there for all who needed a shoulder to lean on. Whether as husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nino, or compadre, he was a shining light to everyone.

Growing up mostly in the San Bernardino area, Riverside became his home. For almost 20 years, Gilbert worked for the County of Riverside. He began as a Journeyman Electrician and earned promotions to Lead Electrician, Building Engineer, and finally as a Regional Superintendent within the Management Team. In the Board of Supervisors Proclamation honoring his service to Riverside, Gilbert was described as a person with natural leadership abilities, and was best known for his desire to help, respect, and show kindness to others.

Gilbert joined the St. Francis de Sales Church parish affiliation of the Knights of Columbus in 2008, with 12 years of unbroken membership with Riverside Council, No. 1638. Gilbert participated in numerous events with St. Francis de Sales benefiting all Notre Dame’s Athletic programs, including preparation of annual pre-game dinners for the varsity football program. He truly enjoyed the comradery, long-term friendships with his fellow Knights, the monthly meetings, and the spirit of community involvement. In all of the activities Gilbert participated in, the Knights knew that they could always count on a successful outcome.

Sally was blessed with the time she shared with Gilbert. A special time was sitting on the deck watching Gilbert and Issac, Dad and son, side by side at the grill. The expression on his face conveyed his gratitude for his family and life itself. He fought his cancer with quiet determination and grace, never complaining and always gracious. Gilbert truly was a blessing from God, and he will forever be missed.

Gilbert is predeceased by his father Salvador Sr.“Chavo”, and his brothers Alfred and David. He is survived by his mother Chena, and siblings Sal Jr. (Rachel), Larry, Tina (Danny), Dinah, Linda, and Janice (David).

There will be a viewing from 4:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary (7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside). Mass will be at St. Francis de Sales Church (4268 Lime Street, Riverside) at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, followed by the burial ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Peace (3510 E Washington St., Colton) at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the burial service there will be a reception at the Elks Lodge (6166 Brockton Ave., Riverside) ending at 2:30 p.m.

Those not attending the burial service are welcome to go directly to the Elks Lodge which will be open at 10:30 a.m. with light refreshments available.

May we all continue to be blessed with God’s graces.

Expression of Gratitude Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair, Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there, Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say, Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day, Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much.

~ The Family of Gilbert Montanez ~