Arthur Bernard Montagne

Oct 19, 1920 to Sept 24, 2011

Menifee, California.

At 90 years old, Arthur Bernard "Bud" Montagne passed away in his home, surrounded by family after a year long bout with cancer. Bud was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa and attended Central High School where he excelled as a distance runner on the track team. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was eventually assigned as a radioman on the U.S.S. California. Bud was on duty on, December 7, 1941, when the ship was attacked and sunk at Pearl Harbor. He continued to serve in the Pacific Fleet until he was chosen for officers training, and was sent to the University of New Mexico. While there he not only earned his engineering degree, but once again was a standout on the track team and became a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon his graduation, he choose to take his officers commission in the U.S. Marines, and married his prewar sweetheart, Ellene. Before his retirement in 1959, he served on the U.S.S. Midway, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War. Bud soon settled in San Jose, CA and worked for Philco Corp, providing technology for NASA. At night he went to law school and earned his law degree. He combined these skills and experience to manage construction contracts - for the Bay Area Rapid Transit - and also around the world, taking him and Ellene to homes in Micronesia, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. After his retirement they moved to Temecula, and then Menifee. Arthur Montagne was a loving and giving husband, father, and friend who always tried to educate and encourage those around him to be their best. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. Bud was greatly loved by all, we will miss him dearly. He is survived by his wife Ellene, daughters Marcia Modisette, Renee Montagne, son Michael, granddaughter Lara Modisette, grandsons Jake Montagne, Brett Modisette, sisters Bonita Christiansen, Helen Dansby, brothers Max and Larry Montagne.

Interment will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.