Obituary of Paul Montgomery

Clifford (Paul) Montgomery passed away on November 24, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

Born in 1934 in Winnipeg, Paul lost his parents, Allen Ross Montgomery and Anne Virtue Ronaldson, in his teens and was taken-in by his Aunt Gladys of Long Island, NY. He attended Ridley College (Class of '54) in St. Catharines, and it was there that his love for cars began and where his buddy Jon Stahl introduced Paul to his future wife, Jane Adamson.

Paul graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan (now Kettering University) in 1959 and married Jane the same year. Children Eric, Anne, and Andrew followed, as did moves to Toronto, Montreal, and back to St. Catharines, with a 50+ year career in sales management in the automotive industry and at Ontario Paper Company/Quno.

After Jane died of Alzheimer’s in 2011, Paul was fortunate to begin again with his loving partner, Ivy Bird. They enjoyed 17 wonderful years of adventures and laughter, and remained dedicated to each other until the end.

Throughout his life Paul had a passion for cars and owned an ever-changing fleet of them. His love of cars and racing took him and son Andrew to vintage car gatherings, races and swap meets across North America. The track and surrounding area of Watkins Glen NY held special status, returning there many (many!) times over 7 decades. Paul also loved Big Band music, a fine scotch, and travelling—preferably behind the wheel—spending vacations exploring back roads in the UK, the US southwest and Vancouver Island.

Paul leaves his best friend and partner of 17 years, Ivy Bird, his children Eric (Victoria, Guelph), Anne (Pat, Vancouver), and Andrew (Briar, St. Catharines). He was the proud Gramps of Simon and Spencer Montgomery Ruel of Vancouver.

As per Paul’s request, there will be no service. To celebrate Paul, donations to Ducks Unlimited or Guide Dogs Canada would be appreciated, or just play some Ella, Lena, Sammy Davis Jr or Benny Goodman, raise a glass of craft beer, a nice single malt, or even a shot of maple syrup! and toast a true gentleman who is sorely missed.

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at St. Catharines Hospital and Hotel Dieu Shaver for the outstanding care he received in his final weeks.