Obituary of Paul William Montgomery

A celebration of life will be held for Paul William Montgomery at the Durham Memorial Hall on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A lifelong resident of Durham, California, Paul died on Thursday, July 22, 2021. He was born in Chico's Enloe Hospital on May 30, 1947 to Frederick Springer and Barbara (Bammann) Montgomery and grew up on his family's almond ranch. Paul attended Durham schools and was a four-year member of Block D at Durham High School where he excelled in sports. He played football all four years at Durham High and was named Outstanding Football Back his sophomore and junior years. Paul was also on Durham High's wrestling team and won the Northern Section Championship title his junior year. Following his graduation in 1965, Paul attended Chico State College before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1967 where he served as an aviation mechanic aboard an aircraft carrier. Following his discharge, Paul returned to Durham where he joined the family farming operation. An avid water skier, Paul also used his strength and agility to teach himself how to barefoot water ski at Donner Lake where his family built a cabin in 1958. He spent summers at this treasured spot, waterskiing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. A member of the Boy Scouts, in which his father served as Scoutmaster, Paul earned multiple merit badges while learning teamwork and practical life-skills. Along with athletic prowess, Paul possessed natural musical talent as a gifted pianist. His inability to read music did not interfere with his inspired musical artistry. Whenever he played, his listeners were spellbound. When Paul married Lila Walsvick in 1999, he inherited a family who grew to love him unconditionally, as he loved them. In 2007, Paul retired from the family ranch, Almont Orchards, so he and Lila could travel, and they enjoyed visiting Europe, China, Hawaii, and Mexico. Towing their fifth-wheel, they also traveled extensively in the United States. In later years, Paul found contentment piloting his fishing boat around Donner Lake in the early morning as he pursued the elusive big catch. Paul was a magnet to children, but above all he will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife Lila; her two children Wade Walsvick (Jen) of N. Tustin, CA and Lori Kaumeyer (Thom) of Oahu, HI.; two brothers, Rick (Sherri) Montgomery of Santa Barbara and Mark (Kathi) Montgomery of Durham; stepmother Ann Montgomery of Chico; and her two children Terry (Larry) Chaney of San Diego and John Doryland of Chico; nephews Heath (Monique) Montgomery; Fred (Erika) Montgomery; Brent Montgomery; and niece Pilar-Montgomery (John) Celmins, as well as a great-niece, and five great-nephews. Paul's six grandchildren will miss their "Papa Paul": Mandi Kaesman; C.J. Walsvick; Jordan Mootz; Hunter Mootz; Ava Walsvick; and Luke Walsvick; as will Paul's three great-grandchildren. Paul also leaves behind step-daughter Laura (Montgomery) Russell and many close life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick S. and Barbara Montgomery. Paul was a forty-five year member of the Elks, and his family asks that donations in his name be made to the Chico Elks Lodge or the charity of your choice.