Your Monty Memories


From Kristin Wherry on 6.27.09 -

I knew Monty elementary through high school. He was smart, quiet, kind and unassumingly funny. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

From Brian Waters on 4.22.09 -

Monty was one of my best friends in h.s. Visited u of a couple times together we share a many of memories, so I will never forget him because we shared these times together. Some of the best of my life.

From Loni Maness on 4.20.09 -

Monty and I had almost all of our classes together in the 8th grade. We went to Madison Middle School in Titusville, FL. He was a great friend who loved to laugh. The world is a better place because he was here--even if it was for only a short time.

From Lois and Herb Brown on 4.17.09 -

I'm Danny Browns Mother & I have memories of Monty like Danny, plus one - the boys went to summer camp for "rising 5 & 6 " in Brandon, FL. We stopped at a wild west tourist show on the way home, but didn't stay long because M. had a stomach virus. Great fun! To lose anyone is difficult, but so young is really hard. Our sympathy Marlene.

From Jon Sloan on 4.16.09 -

I'm so sad to hear about Monty's passing. I had not seen him since 1999 when we moved away from Florida. Monty was authentic, fun and bright person who instantly became a friend to everyone he met. My heart goes out to his family. We were high school friends, reacquainted after college, then roommates in '97-'98. I have great memories of days at the beach, endless hours of tennis, football games and just hanging out. I'm so fortunate to have known you Monty. I hope you are on a beach somewhere, thoroughly enjoying the afterlife!

From Danny Brown from Florida on 4.15.09 -

Wow...where do I begin…I’ve known Monty for close to 37 years, since that preschool picture John Kendall mentioned – gotta love the 70’s bowl cuts! Monty and I had many classes together from Oak Park Elementary, Madison M.S., and Astronaut H.S. to taking a few Masters classes together thru UCF – Cocoa campus. We also played a lot of tennis together…he was simply a great friend, incredibly intelligent and wonderful human being to hang out with. We all must know that it is friendships like the one we shared with Monty that make our time on this planet the most meaningful. Be sure to take the time and reach out to a friend and say thanks! Rest in peace Monty…

From Marlene from Austria on 1.22.09 -

I was quite shocked when I heard of Monty's passing - as my whole family did. We didn't meet often (as the distance was too long) but I remember him as a very smart, nice and helpful guy. When we were in Florida for the first time I didn't speak a word English, but he was the one who played tabletop soccer with me. Several years later on his trip to Austria and Germany I heard how much fun he and Marlene had at the "Oktoberfest" in Munich. I really can imagine this... And I will always remember the tour with him and Marlene, when they showed me and Stefan around San Diego. Monty, you'll always remain in our hearts....

From Vicki on 12.23.08 -

I will always remember Monty as a great guy to hang out with at the office and then later on for a drink.

From John Kendall on 12.19.08 -

I am sorry to hear of Monty's passing. I have not seen or spoken to Monty since shortly after we graduated high school in 1987. I have read the comments and tributes to Monty on this site and it's funny how he had the same impact on others in his adult life that he had when we were children and teenagers. Monty was just such a nice kid and so intelligent. I am looking at a pre-school class picture of Mrs. Moja's class from 1st United Methodist Church in Titusville, FL. It has to be from 1973 or 1974. Monty, like the rest of us guys, is sporting a killer "bowl cut" and as always, that bright, warm smile. Monty was a good guy. I am sorry that we lost touch, but I am glad to see that he was loved by so many wherever he went. That is truly a gift that he possessed.

From Wayne Mostecky on 12.10.08 -

The only memory I really have that involves Monty and me specifically came several years ago at Players Sports Bar during a football viewing party. Monty had come across some Gator Quickset house key blanks on eBay and bought a bunch, not for himself, but just to give away to his friends at the San Diego Gator Club. I was not on his list of intended recipients, apparently, but my eyes lit up when he showed them to me and told me where he got them, before moving on to find the people to give them to.

I was very bummed that he didn't offer me one, but felt it would be wrong to ask him for one if he had others in mind already. A short while later, he returned with what he said was the last one, and handed it to me with a kind and gracious remark that I don't no longer recall. I remember wondering just for a second if he gave it to me because he "couldn't find anyone else." I then realized he had recognized what joy something as small as a $2 key would bring me based on my prior reaction, and he wanted to see me experience that joy.

To be truthful, Monty and I were never really close, but more "Gator buddies" at the club events. I do consider his sister Marlene one of my best friends in Gator Nation, however. I was devastated more for her loss than that of my own as I felt her pain when she called to tell me the news. The outpouring of love for Monty and support for his friends and family that has ensued since that day is a clear indication to me what a special person he must have been.

I was touched that my photos were used to honor his memory. Last Sunday, I was fortunate to be able to be of more service to my good friend Marlene and her family and friends by helping to organize and stage a softball tournament in honor of the Memorial Scholarship fund created in Monty's name. By finding ways to plug into the love that he left behind, he has indirectly left his mark on my life as well.

May God bless you, and rest in peace, "Gator buddy."

From Lauren Conley on 11.30.08 -

I grew up in the same Titusville neighborhood as Monty, who was the older boy who didn't want to play with the silly little girls on the block. I think we used to follow him around. Well, I had the good fortune to meet up with Monty again as adults one summer when he was working at the Singleton Avenue tennis courts and I worked for the county parks department. I recall that hardly anyone every came to play at those courts so we would just sit in the office talking for hours. What a fun and wonderful person Monty was. Monty was always the guy who had a plan for what to do on the weekend and he always included everyone. Even though I have not seen him in years, it is easy to remember his big heart and his ready smile.

From Patrick Hayden on 11.19.08 -

One of the fortunate benefits of traveling the country is meeting new and exciting people at the different Gator Clubs around the nation. I've spent many years in and out of San Diego and the people at the San Diego Gator Club have become very special to me. I met Monty and his sister, Marlene, several years ago when I was stationed in San Diego. Through the years, it has been a pleasure to trade emails from time to time and keep informed of what was going on in San Diego. It was with great sadness when I learned of Monty's passing. Very simply, Monty had a tremendous soul. He was a very good-natured person who paid a great deal of attention to other people. He also embodied exactly what you would want at your local Gator Club - someone who would heartily welcome anyone, Gator or not, into the group. Most of my subsequent conversations with Monty took place via email, but he always kept in touch.

When I deployed to Kuwait earlier this year, he sent me a box of DVD's of great Florida games of the past right before the season started. The boost this gave to my personal morale was great and expanded to those who were serving along side me. This was Monty's greatest gift, you couldn't help but enjoy being around him and happiness just seemed to pass from one person to the next.

Each of us who knew him carry a piece of Monty with us. As we each go through life, think about that piece from time to time and reflect on the infectious joy he passed on to all of us. It was not just my pleasure to know Monty, it was a personal enrichment to just be part of his world. I'm very thankful God allowed our paths to cross.

From Nadine Butler on 11.18.08 -

Monty was one of those nice guys that you didn't think existed anymore. We really miss him at the softball field. Everyone at the field knew him as the guy that drove the red 1969 Mustang convertible and brought the grill. He always grilled at the field and shared with everyone. He was a super sweet guy. I'm going to miss him a lot. I wish I had spoken to him recently.

From Dawn Brejcha on 11.12.08 -

Even before Monty moved to San Diego, she tried to set me up with Monty...Needless to say, we became good friends. We also played a lot of softball together. Monty, you will be missed...

From Trena and Bob Callis on 11.10.08 -

Monty always made time to visit us when we traveled out to California. He would even pick us up at the airport. His driving scared the heck out of me though!! He drove like Marlene! Bobby and I have only good memories of Monty. Our visits to California will not be the same.

From Megan on 11.9.08 -

I only know Monty because of Marlene - but that probably sums it all up for me. They are the most amazing brother-sister team I know of and it was clear: as a friend of Marlene we were all simply friends of Monty's as well. Geunine, real, kind-hearted... all come to mind when I think of Monty. Big hugs and warm thoughts always...

From Lexi Pearah on 11.9.08 -

I remember when Monty used to visit my family down in Florida. One time when I was five years old he came during the summer, my dad, Mark, tried to teach me how to swim. We had so many laughs with him. I hadn't seen Monty in a few years but I know that he is up in heaven and God has showed him how much I've grown. I will always miss you Uncle Monty but I know I will get to hang out with you in heaven some day.

From Jason Smith on 11.8.08 -

Monty and I were co-workers and friends. There are many stories and never enough time. Monty was incredibly genenerous with his co-workers. He often brought in candy and snacks from the $1 store for all to enjoy. Outside of work Monty invited me and my wife to a number of UFC parties. We also had a great time going deep sea fishing. We caught Humbolt Squid and fish and cooked up the fish back at Monty's apartment. We used to laugh often about issues that were close to our hearts as well as those that were highly random. Our friend and you will be missed.

Two words come to mind... "deviled eggs". Monty & Marlene would come to my house for T'Giving. Monty always brought these awesome deviled eggs. After dinner we'd all go bowling. Monty would always throw one ball left-handed and the next ball righ-handed. Used to crack me up watching him do that. T'Giving won't be the same.

From Bill Guill on 11.6.08 -

Monty and I worked in the same section for the County's Department of Public Works. When I returned to work after 7 weeks of medical leave in December 2007, Monty greeted me quite warmly, and really demonstrated a caring concern for me, which I had not known from him, before. It also showed me a gentle, caring side of Monty which caught me off guard. It was wonderful working with him, and he is VERY sorely missed.

As his brother Mark and sister Marlene said, I know I will see him again and renew our friendship in Heaven.

Miss you, friend....

What I remember most vividly about Monty was his ability to see every side of an issue, even if he didn't agree. If I were griping about something, Monty would gently set me straight and help me see things from another point of view. He could do this so easily, I could learn something from him without being conscious of it.

One Christmas Monty surprised us. Though unemployed, Monty spent money to buy Sarah and I vintage Gator T-shirts to give us as present. I remember how excited he was for us to get them. I remember feeling like a dud for not getting him anything. Last year, I, luckily, saved the shirt from the Donation bag because "I can't give that shirt away, Monty gave it to me." Monty, I still feel bad I never bought you a gift buddy. Because of this, the Maines family will give what we can ($200) to the Monty Pearah Scholarship Fund to help Monty's gift keep on giving.

I hope you're resting now, buddy. The Maines family will miss you.

From Ed Tennant on 10.29.08 -

I don't even know where to begin. When I became Club President Monty agreed to handle our club merchandise. He was responsible for buying and selling shirts. Soon he had expanded our items to shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other items. He searched E-Bay and other places for good deals on items we could raffle or sell to the club for low cost.

David King our treasurer asked Monty to track what he sold and Monty promised to do a spreadsheet. Being an engineer he couldn't do a simple spreadsheet. We needed an interpreter for it. Monty included items sold, balance, projections of future sales, margins and so many other things. I mean he had it color coded and provided a legend. We had to call him to find out what it meant and how to read it.

Monty gave me a Christmas gift one year when he wasn't working and I was touched. I never forgot him after that. I have many of the framed Gator magazine covers that he made for me in my bar.

Monty exemplified the ability to get along with anyone even when they didn't agree. In that trait alone, knowing him made me a better person. I will miss him and my life is better for having known him. Rest in Peace my Friend.