Monty, Ronald Ross

Ronald Ross Monty

Ron was born to John (1903-1935) and Doris (1908-1992) Monty in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on January 9, 1932, and received his elementary Education in that province.  The family moved to Nelson in 1946 where he graduated from the Nelson High School in 1949.

He attended Victoria Normal School for Teacher Training and subsequently UBC and Gonzaga University for Graduate and Post-Graduate degrees. In 1953 Ron married Doreen Wilson and together they raised four children. He taught in Kimberley and Nelson, retiring in 1987.

He was Principal of several schools in the Nelson District, including Central, Gordon Sargent, Blewett and Rosemont. He served on a Scouting Group Committee, Nelson Library Board, Jubilee Manor/Place Foundation, Nelson Music Festival Association, Kootenay Launch club, as well as a long-time member in the Nelson Pilots’ Association, the Nelson Community Band and the Nelson United Church. He was a Marriage Commissioner in Nelson for 12 years, officiating at hundreds of weddings in the area.  

Ron enjoyed his family and many recreational activities being  active in cycling, motorcycling, flying and boating. Ron was proficient in carpentry and things mechanical, having restored cars, built boats and houses. He created a motor home from an old school bus that took the family on many summer adventures across North America.

Music was a great love and besides the piano and organ, he played the saxophone, clarinet and vibes in many bands over his lifetime.

Ron is survived by his four children; Deborah, Colleen (Willem), Dean (Val) and Aaron (Lola), nine grandchildren and ten great grand children; sisters Edith, Sandra (Rob) and Carole (Fred) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tremendous gratitude to Dr McKechnie and staff of the Kootenay Lake Hospital and Dr Herman and staff of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail for their caring and compassionate presence and assistance.