Larry Montague

Larry Montague

Larry passed away June 20, 2013 in Spokane, Wash. He was born June 1, 1924 in Spokane to Edward and Louvenia Montague. Larry was raised in Mondovi, Wash, moved to Cheney in 1930, graduated from Cheney High School in 1942 and went on to attend Eastern Washington College of Education (EWU).

Larry joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and returned to Cheney in 1946. He worked for Standard Station, Inc. from 1947 to 1950 and operated his own Texaco Station from 1950 to 1955. In 1955 he joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department as a patrolman, was promoted to captain in 1958, and held that position until joining the Cheney Police Department in 1963. In 1968 Larry established the security department at EWU as lieutenant until he retired due to health reasons in 1982.

For the past 21 years he has spent his time between Spokane and Mesa, Ariz. with wife Virginia. Larry’s favorite pastimes included fishing, golf, gardening, spending time with family and friends, telling stories and traveling, including camping and RV-ing throughout the western U.S, Mexico, cruises and trips to South America and Australia. He was an avid EWU sports fan and tailgater. A highlight in his travels included his trip to Washington D.C. in 2011 on the Honor Flight to recognize his WWII service. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 42 in Cheney.

Larry married Evelyn Petrick in 1946. They are survived by three children, Dee Dee Pearson (Monte), Peggy Jackson (Clyde) of Spokane, and son Larry Montague (Kathy) of Cheney. He has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Evelyn passed away after 41 years of marriage. 

He married Bette Curtis in 1988, who passed away in 1992. There are four stepchildren, Bill (Inga), Bonnie (Monte), Tom (Jan), Linda (deceased), three step-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.

Larry married Virginia Snow in 1995 and is survived by her. He is also survived by four stepchildren, Helen Bogle, Karen Bogle, Janet Smith (Pat) and Greg Bogle, eight step-grandchildren and eight step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father, sisters Helen McLean and Lorene Robinette (his twin), and brothers James and Pete. He will be remembered for his quick wit and admirable values. His love, his laugh, memories we made, jokes we shared, and the life lessons we learned will always stay with us. His family as well as his friends will dearly miss him.

A memorial service was held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Cheney Funeral Chapel, Cheney. Donations in his name may be given to EWURA Scholarship Fund, EWU Foundation Office, Cheney, WA 99004.