Douglas Neal Montgomery

Obituary of Douglas Neal "Monty" Montgomery

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Monty (Douglas Neal) Montgomery on February 23 2023. Monty was a devoted Dad (to Morgan) and husband (to Beth), a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Communications Research Trade and veteran, a survivor of a military plane crash of Alert resupply airplane BOXTOP22 on 30 Oct 1991, a Disney enthusiast, a CFL fan and long-time season ticket holder, Disability Mentorship Program member, a world leading analyst at the Communications Security Establishment and an active member of the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE). Monty made a difference in people's lives

 

Enduring close to 40 hours in an Arctic Blizzard, Monty sustained injuries due to frostbite and faced many challenges throughout his almost one year in hospital recovering, having amputations, enduring multiple reconstructive surgeries and learning how to live with a disability which he did with courage and dignity

 

A few short months after retirement from CSE Ottawa, in January 2020, Monty was again to face a fight for survival against stage 3 esophageal Cancer. His trip to the Disney Parks around the world and plans to spend winters in Florida would be cancelled. With his son Morgan and wife Beth by his side, he again fought with courage for the next 3 years. He accepted every treatment that was offered along the way and was in hospital (with only a one week break) from Dec 17th to his last day of radiation on Feb 8th 2023.

 

His unfailing will to fight persevered, but throughout the many days in hospital, the cancer was rapidly advancing and his body weakened. He moved to Embassy West the week of February 16th receiving compassionate palliative care surrounded by family and friends who stood by his side 24/7 to ensure he was not alone

 

Thank you to the many medical professionals and health care workers who helped Monty with the fight, the many friends who attended him bedside, well-wishers from around the world and his many supporters offering words of encouragement. "Support Monty in his Battle with Cancer" is a GoFundMe set up by the Macdonald family to help with his private medical expenses with the remaining funds to be donated to the Cancer Society. A celebration of life will take place after the snow is gone (per his wishes)

 

When asked how he retained his optimism throughout his challenges he faced, he replied "I've had a good life". A proud Dad, a survivor, an exemplary fighter and true hero; he will live forever in our hearts 

 

There will be a Celebration of Life at CFS Leitrim 3545 Leitrim Road, Ottawa ON April 29 at 6:30 pm.

 

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Douglas Neal