Wilfred Montoya

Wilfred Montoya, 89, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, after a short time of illness. Wilfred and his twin brother were born in Cuba, NM, on July 7, 1935, the sons of Jose Maria Montoya and Maria Encarnacion Lucero. A few months after their birth, Wilfred’s twin brother Ubaldo Alberto Montoya became ill and passed away. Wilfred was raised in Cuba, NM, and the youngest of his 8 other siblings. 

When his older brothers moved to Ogden, Utah, he followed them. He met Julia E. Blair and remained eternally smitten with her. He returned home to New Mexico until his heart full of love for Julia returned him to Utah. They were married on the 17th of July 1955, and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Wilfred was a romantic who often verbalized his beloved was his “Angel.” Julia ascended to heaven on April 21, 2009. Wilfred visited her gravesite weekly with a gift of flowers. With much love, Wilfred privately designed their lay to rest headstone with the note, “I was married to an angel and my angel is waiting for me in heaven.” Wilfred and Julia resided in Ogden, moving to Roy, Utah in 1977.

Wilfred worked for DDO in Ogden for 36 years in Defense Logistics until retiring in 1992. He played on several DDO baseball teams, his nickname Wimpy, was well known throughout the league due to his fast ball pitching. Julia did not drive so Wilfred would drive the 5 miles home, where Julia would be waiting with their four kids, a packed lunch and the family would head to the park to enjoy watching Wilfred pitching either softball or fast ball. 

Wilfred was a gifted athlete which provided his family and friends with much entertainment and enjoyment for many years. He was a boxer, a baseball pitcher, and the highlight of his golfing career was his Par 3, whole-in-one, at Sun Hill golf course. Wilfred’s athletic DNA is apparent in his children and grandchildren. At age 89, Wilfred remained a fit age defying aura, he could make you smile when he would randomly throw a powerful front punch with sound effects, he could skip rope and not break a sweat, he enjoyed giving pointers to his youngest grandchild Markus Montoya, age 10, whom is a DNA athletic carbon of Wilfred. It was tender to Wilfred that Markus’ husky Kona, would dance with excitement when he went to visit. Wilfred also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, riding horses and most of all being with his family. His musical instrument of choice was his harmonica which at random times he would play “The Marcha”, aweing on lookers with his unique fancy dance footwork.

He strived to be more like Christ in his day-to-day life. He was forgiving, honest, selfless, sensitive, loyal, and noted cleverly mischievous as a youth. Wilfred was a caregiver, a teacher, and a playmate to his grandchildren. His hugs were like a transmitter of calmness, peace and love while instilling a sense of confidence, a desire to be humble, to be kind and left one with a sense of pride to be a Montoya descendant.

Wilfred is survived by sons, Danny Montoya of Ogden, UT, Ricky Montoya of Bountiful, UT, and Mark (Shambrae) Montoya, of Liberty, UT; daughters, Reyna Cameron of Eden, UT and Marlene Gurcan of Roy, UT; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and sibling, Fanny Reta of Montrose, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia E. Blair; his parents; sisters, Demecia, Rupe, Herminia and Isabel; and brothers, Ubaldo (twin), Bonefacio, Julian and Clotario.

Wilfred and Julia are together soaring with the angels, of whom both were always close to in spirit. He was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and even the heavens will be enriched by his spirit. He will forever be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and aides that helped care for Wilfred, at Ogden Regional Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. Alberto Posada, MD.

Friends may visit with family on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 9:45 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514-24th St.

Interment, Roy City Cemetery 5200 S 2300 W Roy, Utah 84067 (approx. 11:15 a.m.) 

Family and Friends Dinner after Interment,  the Community Room at Lindquist’s Office Building, 3434 Washington Blvd. from 12:30-2:30 p.m. 

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