Obituary of Dan R. Montgomery

Dan R. Montgomery Thurston County Sheriff 1979 – 1986 Dan R. Montgomery, age 64, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2005. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary E. Williams; sister Betty Gordon of Grass Valley, CA; daughter Leslie R. (Shane) Hernstedt, of Shelton, WA; son Michael T. Montgomery of Olympia; granddaughter Christina R. Montgomery of Olympia; grandson Luke M. Hernstedt; and great-granddaughter RaeLeigh Montgomery. Dan was born on August 27, 1940. He was raised in California, graduating from Marysville High School, CA in 1958. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged as an E-4 (Corporal) in 1965. He married Carol, the mother of his children, in 1961. They divorced in 1981. Dan was a “natural helper” and public servant throughout his life. He deeply held the spirit of being a law enforcement official; to protect and serve the community. Before moving to Washington State in 1972, he was a deputy sheriff for Yuba County, California (1961 – 1963), and a California Highway Patrolman (1963 – 1970). During his time as a Highway Patrolman, he was selected to be a bodyguard and driver for then Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. Dan felt humbled and honored to be elected to serve as the Thurston County Sheriff from 1979 through 1986. During his terms in office, he brought the Sheriff’s Office into a new era of strong and efficient management. He encouraged and nurtured many future law enforcement leaders. Dan relentlessly led his deputies to resolve crimes, and protect the Thurston County community. He tenaciously upheld the mission and honor of the Sheriff’s Office. Dan was a passionate pilot. He started flying at age 14, receiving his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. His first job in aviation was to herd ducks from rice fields in California. He owned and operated a flight school and Cessna dealership (Willards Flying Service) in Everett, Washington in the early 1970’s. He loved teaching people to fly and to experience the joy and freedom of flight. The last plane he owned (Cinderella Citabria) had the call letters 285DM; which stood for February 1985, Dan and Mary; the year and month Dan and Mary married. The following poem was chosen and read at Dan’s beloved Father-in-law’s (Gordon S. Williams) Memorial Service in 1985. “High Flight” Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. (By John G. Magee Jr., World War II pilot) Dan suffered from peripheral vascular disease for the past several years, severely limiting his mobility. He was helped and supported by many community helpers. Dan (and Mary) was very grateful for the compassionate caring from many friends and community organizations including Lacey Fire District #3, Intercity Transit Dial-a-Lift, Group Health, Providence Hospice, and Panorama City Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. Dan’s idea of heaven is “every dog you ever loved will run up to greet you.” Dan is at peace now, enjoying the company of the many dogs of his life. At his request, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his memory to the Dan R. Montgomery Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, 111 Market Street NE, Suite 375, Olympia, WA 98501. Mary established this scholarship fund as a Christmas gift to Dan in 2003. Dan selected the first scholarship recipient this past year. The scholarship fund is for Thurston County graduating High School seniors, who plan to attend a college in Washington State with the intention of pursuing a career in law enforcement.