Montgomery slipped away in the early morning of May 13, 2022.
Predeceased by his loved and cherished wife Dawn Hope Montgomery in August
2020, his parents Donald S. Montgomery and Dorothy F. Montgomery, and his
brother James Montgomery, he is survived by his sister-in-law Frances
Montgomery and by the children who amused and loved him so greatly: Diane
(John), Ian (Kirsty), Peg, Brian (Jenn); and by his seven grandchildren Tristan,
Emily, Sophie, Alex, Callum, Thomas and Meg.
Born in Vancouver May 14, 1928 he attended Vernon Preparatory School, appearing
with his cricket teammates on the cover of the book, “Growing Up British in
British Columbia”. He spent his youth in Shaughnessy and graduated from West
Van High. Summers were fondly spent on Qualicum Beach at the family cottage.
Too young to sign up before the cessation of the Second World War, (Field
Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, “Monty” was his uncle) he graduated from
UBC Law in 1952. He then joined his father’s law firm Macrae, Montgomery, Hill
& Cunningham and forged a busy 50-year career in Estate law and general
Corporate and Commercial law with that firm and its successor, Campney
Murphy. An expert in the BC Company Act, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel
largely due to his committee work in proposing amendments to the Act.
Three years into his career, as a young mondain lawyer, he spied Dawn on the
adjoining court at Jericho Tennis Club. A swift engagement six weeks later led
to the most remarkable, loving marriage of 63 years. Together they created
resonate childhood memories for us, through family boating trips, the cottage at
Maracaibo on Salt Spring Island, canoe trips, and ski trips all over the Pacific
Northwest. John found time to volunteer as a Board member of the WV Parks
Committee, WV Elector’s Association, Eagle Harbour YC, and most notably as
an instructor for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC.
Dad was highly ethical and principled, hard-working and purposeful, fair and
good-natured. He had a rich sense of humour, and he was most interested in
the lives and stories of others. Our friends were always made to feel welcome at
our house, as he dispensed a steady dose of humour, teasing and career
advice. His own friends and acquaintances leaned towards the multitude of
Commonwealth ex-pats who settled in Vancouver in the 1950s & 60s. He was a
Life member of the Vancouver Club and spent many lunchtimes there, at the
large round table with a rotating cast of contemporaries. Mom and Dad greatly
enjoyed their friendships, replete with festive and lubricated dinner parties.
Family dinners were boisterous and competitive. Strong opinions and vigorous
debate on politics and history were encouraged and nurtured. One knew to
stake claim to a debate position, and a second helping, in equal measure.
Dad, you were both a product of, and the best representation of your generation.
You were a devoted husband and father. You were a great friend to many, and
you were a wise and ethical legal counsel to hundreds. We all benefited greatly
from your presence in our lives.
Grateful thanks to all his caregivers and the staff at West Vancouver Care Centre
and Creekstone Care. Special thanks to Lisa for her wonderful, devoted care
and attention to John over many years.
Memorial reception will be held in June.
Donations may be made in John’s memory to the West Vancouver Senior’s
Activity Centre “Keeping Connected” Program. 604-925-7280.
695 21st Street West Vancouver, BC V7V 4A7
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5