Robert “R.L.” Lawrence Montgomery, 86, of Boring, OR, went home to be with his Savior on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Robert, an only child, was born May 20, 1934, to Lawrence and Winnifred Montgomery in Tillamook, Oregon where he grew up and attended school. After serving for 2 years in the US Marine Corps, Robert began a life-long career as a professional driver. His various roles included taxi driver, long-haul trucker, log truck driver, and city bus operator. Robert went to work for Lane Transit District in Eugene, OR, in 1978, where he met the love of his life, JoAn. They were married at Faith Center in Eugene on January 4, 1981. While at LTD, Robert was recognized as Employee of the Month and received Safe Driver awards numerous times. He retired from LTD in 2000.
Robert never knew a stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. For the last 18 years, he was a member of Sandy Assembly of God in Sandy, OR, where he was always known to raise a hearty “Amen!” His grand passions in life—besides his wife and extended family—were gourmet cooking, studying the Bible, talking “truck,” showing love in the form of Dove chocolates, and his beloved Savior.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosalie Berglund, and his second wife, Janice Shields. Robert is survived by his wife of 40 years, JoAn Montgomery. He is also survived by daughter Tammy Lee AlShabraweshi and son-in-law Basem of Saudi Arabia; son Stephen Weston and daughter-in-law Amy of Caldwell, Idaho; son Gary Montgomery and daughter-in-law Merethe of Ulefoss, Norway; daughter Camille Eide and son-in-law Dan of Sandy, OR.; and daughter Tandy Gamet and son-in-law Darren of Gresham, OR. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren (& their spouses): Sultan, Saud, Arwa, Amani, Chelsea, Tanner, Slade, Diana, Jenifer, Rebecca, Shane, Ben, Janae, Taryn, Lauren, and Taylor; and by 15 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by friends and acquaintances too numerous to count, whose lives are richer for having known him. The enormous hole Robert leaves in the world is only surpassed by the hope of heaven that he unswervingly professed.
Memorial for Robert "R.L." Montgomery will be held at Sandy Assembly on Saturday, Jan 16. All who wish to take part in remembering him are welcome, but due to the need for adequate spacing, please message the church or family and let us know if you plan to attend.