Ronald Cano Montes

Many things can be said about Ronald Cano Montes. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Ronald was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Ronald was born on October 16, 1940 in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Louis and Lupe Montes. Ronald was raised in Los Angeles (Boyle Heights), California. When he was young, Ronald's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Ronald demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Ronald grew up with three siblings. He had Bob Arimdariz, Louis Montes and Richard Montes. Ronald was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Ronald carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Ronald was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

During his high school years, Ronald had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1959. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Ronald had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Ronald was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Ronald as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner. He was a member of "The Gents" Club and was a member of the singing group "The Gen Tones".

Always considered a “good” friend, Ronald sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Ronald always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Ronald’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Ronald would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Ronald was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Gilbert Hernandez, Richard Rodriguez, Pete Moreno, Fred Rios, Art Rodriguez and Ray Silva.

Ronald’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Ronald shared these values with his three children, Kathleen Marie Montes, Maria Guadalupe Montes and Margaret Renteria. Ronald was also blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Antoinette, Anthony, Abel, Sophia, Emily, Darius, Isaiah and Alicia. Ronald related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Ronald experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was his primary occupation was refinery inspector. He was employed for 35 years by Chevron Oil. Ronald always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Ronald took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Ronald was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Ronald continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Ronald took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were salsa dancing, camping, bike riding and hunting. Ronald enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Ronald derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Ronald delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Ronald was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football (Denver Broncos) and Nascar.

Throughout his life, Ronald was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Ronald was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Ronald was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Ronald’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Ronald’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. In high school, Ronald was a member of the "Gents" Club.

Ronald was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. Politically, Ronald was involved in the Chicano movement of the 60's.

Ronald enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Ronald were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Rosarito, Mexico and Puerto Nuevo.

Ronald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His family was rounded out by his Great Dane, Moses, his Yorkshire Terrier, Isis and his Minnie Schnauzer, Vinnie.

When Ronald’s retirement finally came in 1996, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Ronald had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Ronald knew exactly what he wanted to do. Even in retirement, Ronald continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Ronald passed away on February 20, 2011 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. He is survived by his children, Kathy, Maria and Margaret, his grandchildren Antoinette, Anthony, Abel, Sophia, Emily, Darius, Isaiah, great-granddaughter Alicia, his brother Louis and sister-in-law Vickie and nephew Ronnie. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel in Covina, California.

Throughout his life, Ronald was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Ronald leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Ronald Cano Montes.