"He Isn’t Really Truly Gone, His Light and Song Goes on and On" Michael Edward Montgomery age 56, passed away at the Bay Pines VA Hospital on January 3, 2008. Mike was an extremely talented musician and songwriter. As a humble servant and active member of AA, he touched the lives and hearts of many. He will be deeply missed by his family and his AA brothers and sisters. He is remembered as an artistic, kind and loving soul. We will miss his bright light and beautiful blue eyes. Survivors include his father Edward W. Montgomery, Siblings; Melissa Auensen, Susan Montgomery, Daniel Cox, Edie Poole, and Marla Gerger. Nieces and nephews: Chris Nothnagel, Clinton Pazik, Danielle Cox, Ryan and Kylie Gerger. Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760.
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My dear brother. You were and will always be my hero. You helped me in ways you never knew. You gently guided me onto a path of spiritual awareness. And you have guided me again in spirit. My first official act as an ordained minister is your memorial service. This is a great honor for me and once again you have guided me to claim my spiritual path, step up to the plate and realise that who Iam does make a difference. My heart is broken as I wasn’t ready to let you go. But I know now you are free. Free of the pain, free of the earthly bondage. I send my love to you. Until we meet again my friend. I remain your greatest fan. Love Sooze.
My dear sweet brother, I’m going to miss your smile and laughter. I miss you and I only wish we had more time but I’m comforted in knowing you are at peace now. I Love You. Melissa
My how time flies. I remember the day you were born. Sad to see you go at such a young age. So glad I got to have lunch with you when I was in Florida a couple years ago. Really enjoyed the time with you.
Sorry I cannot be there for your service. Trust we will meet again in Heaven. Love Ya, Aunt Margaret
Brother, you will be greatly missed. Dadâ??s heart aches over your loss. You were far too young to leave us. You lived your life to the fullest. I am so glad you were able to visit California so much the last couple of years, because I got to know you better. I enjoyed our visits and making you triple shots of espresso coffee at the house. I will miss our emailing, and the funny things you would send. *I was amazed and in awe the way you could play a guitar. You and dad shared that love of music, and you two could jam like no other! I also appreciate you being so tolerant of a niece then 4 yrs old that can be a little wild. Rest in Peace. Love, Marla
Dearest Mike,
Even though it’s been years since we spoke, I remember so well how you could clearly cut through the bullsh*t and get right to the heart of the matter–and make me laugh while doing it. I wasn’t always grateful at the time, but you gave me a lot to think about. I’m sure you’ve never given much thought to how much you meant to another one of your little sister’s friends in the fellowship. No more trudging the road of happy destiny–you’ve arrived.
MAY THE LORD KEEP YOUR SPIRIT FOR ALL ETERNITY
Dear Michael: God bless you on this next journey…
Words don’t touch the mixture of feelings that surface as i see your pictures: sadness for your past,physical pain but gratitude for having known you. You carried the Message and lived a life of service. You are in Creator’s warm white light…Nancy A.
Dearest Michael,
Although your life here ended much too soon I am told that your transition was peaceful, how wonderful. I’m sure there is a guitar waiting for you as your journey continues because music and humor were a part of your soul and the soul never dies. Thank you for touching my life and for being with me at a time when I really needed a hand to hold during my health challenges. Your presence, kindness and humor brought me so much comfort. I regret not visiting you in Florida, I always thought there would be a time that was more convenient but convenience shouldn’t always be the priority. At least we got to email each other, that was good. You are a beautiful heart and I will miss you, your humor, and your music. Our spirits connected and I have no doubt we will meet again on our continuing journeys.
Love Light and Peace,
June
I am grateful we were able to spend time together in August of 2007. I will miss you and our many phone conversations. Your Loving Dad
I have known Mike a.k.a. Uncle Mike all of my life. He and my Father were childhood friends and always had a close relationship. I have many memories of Mike, he was very much like a brother to my Dad, and a member of our family.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to hear Mike play, you truly missed out. He was gifted beyond words. Hearing Mike play compared to an orchestra of bells. As the kids would say “he OWNED his guitar!”. I remember sitting up for hours with “Uncle Mike”…him playing his guitar and me singing. The world has truly lost a musician who played from his heart.
I will miss you “Uncle Mike”! I know that you have a Sweet Guitar in heaven…God could never put that talent to rest!
Until we meet again.
Lots of Love,
Erica
I didn’t know Mike well, I’m a good
friend of his father,ED. We had a
great time working on a c.d.when he
visited Ca. He was a SUPER guitar picker and sure enjoyed getting to
play with him.
Part of my life and heart, I will miss him greatly.
mike is my best friend and my chosen brother
My friend, I’ll remember your laughter always and many crazy conversations at Soozes kitchen table. Those beautiful blue eyes too! My prayers are with you and your family who miss you greatly. Love, Kathleena
Michael Montgomery was the most amazing self-taght musician there ever was. He was a musical mentor to me and many other musicians. Mike was also witty, caring and profound. I was lucky enough to reestablish contact with him a few months ago, after losing track of each other for over fifteen years. Michael will surely be missed and remembered fondly by many.
Frank Ossiff
Mike and I went to many meetings at a place called NABA. With Don S. When I first got sober in Dec 7, 1989. He was a fine man and a member in good standing in our fellowship. He will be soreley missed. Henry G.