Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Lee Montgomery
Lee Montgomery, 57, died of Covid-19 on September 21, 2021, in Fargo, North Dakota.
Lee Richard Montgomery was born September 6, 1964, to Robert and Carol (Mills) Montgomery. The seventh of nine children, Lee was a beloved son and brother, and as an adult he was very much a connector, protector, and anchor for his family members both near and far. Lee had a tremendous work ethic, and he worked in a variety of jobs and fields, from farming to CNA work in nursing homes and a hospital, to property maintenance, and for the last two decades as a certified boiler technician and operator for high-pressure heating and steam systems. Lee was employed for more than two decades at the heating plant at NDSU, and he also worked a second job as a boiler specialist at Nu-Tek Food Science in Fargo.
Friends and family will miss Lee terribly. We knew Lee as a gregarious, kind, and generous person with a big smile, bigger heart, and a willingness to help and lead in difficult circumstances. He was always a hit with kids, and he could and would talk to anyone at any time about just about anything. And Lee’s big booming laugh was quick, genuine, welcoming, and unmistakable, even from across a crowded room. Lee had a profound gift for seeing the humor in life even in trying times, and he was strong and steady in all weathers.
Lee’s family and friends will treasure memories of his wit and quickness with smart and funny comebacks and contorted facial expressions. To spend time with Lee was to spend time laughing, talking, and sharing stories. His gift for humor and perspective always included an ability to laugh at himself, and his wit was sharp without being mean. He was especially funny when providing commentary about the absurd or overly wrought, like reality TV shows that focused on bigfoot hunters, UFO theorists, treasure hunters who never quite found the treasure, or attention seekers who traded on ridiculous eccentricities.
Lee loved—really loved—riding his Harley Davidson, and he always looked forward to a trip to Sturgis. Riding was a lifelong passion for Lee. His first bike was a yellow Honda Mini-50 when he was a little kid, and he graduated to bigger and bigger Honda trail bikes and eventually Harley Davidson road bikes as he grew into an adult. For Lee, the ride itself mattered more than the destination, and he treasured riding weather in North Dakota because it passed so quickly. Annual trips to Sturgis were not only great rides but they were prime times to people-watch and connect and sight-see in beautiful country. For Lee, time on a bike was a celebration of his style of freedom.
Lee is survived by sisters Ann Montgomery (Flagstaff, AZ), Sue Montgomery (Mandan, ND), and Jennifer (Frank Cummings) Montgomery (Salisbury, NH); brother Ron Montgomery (Fargo); niece Brooke (Craig) Roth (Los Angeles, CA), and grandnephews Hudson and Becker Roth (Los Angeles, CA); and girlfriend Gail Paschke (Fargo, ND).
Lee was preceded in death by his mother Carol (Mills); father Robert; brothers Richard, Jim, and Scott; sister Kay; and grandparents Lewis and Gerda (Watne) Mills and David and Ardell (Rindy) Montgomery.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, October, 29, 2021 at 4:00PM at Carrington Cemetery.
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I love those pictures of him.
You can see the sweetness in his face and his warmth. This is a terrible loss.
Lee will be greatly missed by many. He was a genuine and kind person. My prayers and sympathies are with his family and friends.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Lee. Lots of fond memories came to me when I heard of his passing. He was always a kind person and he liked to joke around with me,which was great because I always liked his larger then life smile and laugh. R.I.P Lee! Condolences to Lee’s family,he will be missed!
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we share in your sorrow.
I send my condolences, this is a terrible loss. Sadly, COVID-19 takes many, and we never really thought it would take one of us. I love you Aunt JMO, and I miss you terribly, and I am so sorry about Lee. Just know we are always here for you.
Lee was that good- natured brother I never had. I must have lost $2b to him during the decade of 24 hour Monopoly games in the big front room of what we now call the Putnam House. Always quick with a smile and a joke, a belly laugh and a ridiculous dare. The world lost a really decent human and I am so sorry for that.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I never knew Lee but saw him and greeted him often at the nursing home when he’d visit his mom. Always a smile on his face…seemed like a really good son. Blessings of good memories to you all.
A beautiful tribute to a great guy who loved his mother deeply. I’m glad I got to know him and a few family members.
Dear Montgomery family, I have known Lee since he was a little boy. Our families grew up together and all of you are special to our family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A childhood friend, a treasure, a rescuer many times over. Much sympathy to his family and friends. Hugs all around!
I had the pleasure of having Lee as a student in high school. I remember him as a very enjoyable and pleasant young man. He always seemed to be enjoying every moment of his time in class. He certainly had a good sense of humor. May he Rest In Peace.
I just ran in to Lee this summer as I was pumping gas in Fargo on my way to Rochester for cancer treatment, we chatted for awhile…he had that infectious smile and laugh, he was a genuine guy who would go out of his way for you and help out in anyway he could. I could always get ahold of him when I needed him….this has been a real shock for me! Sometimes when you meet someone you just know that they are truly a genuine good person…and that’s what Lee was. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lee was a neighborhood friend, such a hearty laugh and smile on his face all the time. Lee loved his mom so much ,was the thoughtful son anyone would love to have. My sympathy to the Montgomery family. Rest in peace Lee.
Just seeing now that Lee passed away.
He was a great guy and he would make anyone laugh and laugh we did.
Sorry for your loss and it is a loss for all who knew him.
God bless you all.
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was about the only family member that Scott kept close contact with. I will miss his kindness.
Just seeing this today, Lee’s passing. I ran into him a couple times at Golden Acres when I was there visiting. Always a smile and cheerful. This covid is a terrible thing especially when it hits close to home, someone you know. I got my booster this morning. Rest is Peace Lee. Gone too soon.
I just heard about this tonight .. I am very saddened and so sorry to see/hear this. He was such a great customer. I will miss seeing him at Bordertown and will think of him everytime I fill the chips in the vending machine. Please know we are all thinking of you Gail.
I am sorry to hear about Lee’s passing. He was my brothers best friend for years. Every morning I would come down stairs to get ready for school and he would be there waiting for Kelly. His smiling face was always a welcome sight. This world didn’t deserve a heart as big as his. My heart goes out to his family.
I still think about you almost everyday lee I’m so grateful for the time we spent together at work. I still can’t thank you enough for all of the knowledge you taught me over our 3 short years of friendship. I hope whatever the afterlife has to offer it’s full of motorcycles and past love ones. Rest easy in paradise brother.