Montgomery Dickson

Montgomery "Monty" Dickson was killed on March 11, 2011, by the tsunami that destroyed the northeast coast of Japan.

Monty was preceded in death by father George Dickson in 1993 and his mother, Lili Fredrickson, in 2000. He always worked hard to make his mom proud by excelling in academics, playing the trumpet and getting into Boy's State, and continued on that path of dedication even after her passing.

He graduated summa cum laude from Anchorage's Service High School in 2002.

He then spent his freshman year of college at the University of Southern California and played trumpet with the marching band at football games.

Monty returned to the University of Alaska Anchorage but delayed graduation to take advantage of an exchange program. He spent a summer with a family in Japan and then returned to attend the universities there. In 2006 he completed studies at Hokkaido University and returned in September of that year to attend Nagoya Gakuin University, completing his certificate in July 2007.

Monty returned to UAA and finished cum laude in 2009 with a bachelor of arts degree in languages, emphasis on Japanese, and a minor in philosophy.

He became a dedicated teacher for JET, Japan Exchange and Teaching, in August 2009. He lived in Rikuzentakata in the Iwate Prefecture a small town of 25,000. Monty embraced Japanese culture and traditions, as well as taught English to not only the children of the town but to the elderly and anyone who wanted to learn; he initiated English language classes during the summer holidays.

His family wrote: "He truly became a bridge between our countries. This town welcomed him as if he had been a local, made him part of their lives and families. We are grateful to the people of Rikuzentakata, for we know our Monty had found a second home.

"He was much loved there, so evident by the people who came to meet us. People who lost so much, wanted to give to us their stories of how Monty touched their lives and made an impression on everyone he met.

"Monty was kind, positive, driven, possessed a great sense of humor, (and was) enthusiastic about life and broadening his horizons. He was passionate and dedicated, a remarkable and promising young individual. Monty had a positive impact on all with whom he interacted. A wonderful son, brother, uncle, friend, teacher and colleague, he was well-known, loved, very popular and loved by the kids as well as his fellow teachers.

"The ambassador of Japan said, 'An irreplaceable member of the community, he has left his mark on Japan and our hearts, and he will never be forgotten. Many Japanese will long remember Monty-san.'

"Monty will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him and hopefully to those who did not, for the stories of our brother will carry on.

"His girlfriend Naoko wrote, 'He is the most wonderful man in the world and I am the most happiest person in the world, because I could meet him and spend lovely time with him.' "

Monty is survived by his close family, brother Ian Dickson, sister Shelley Fredrickson and nephew Colton of Anchorage. girlfriend Naoko Watanabe and her mother, Setsuko, of Japan; George and Kelly Dickson of England; Fred and Heather Dickson and nieces Merrin and Pearl of Hawaii; Jessica Dickson Gallagher and nephew Gilbert of Portland; and Gloria Shriver and Randy Ruedrich of Anchorage, among many more friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the "Find Monty Dickson Fund" at any Wells Fargo branch.