William Donald Keanuenue Montero

William Donald Keanuenue Montero, age 80, passed away on April 3, 2017. He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 39 years and was formerly a resident of San Jose, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. He was a Senior Manager in the computer industry.

William was born on November 14, 1936 to William Louis and Nora P. Kanoa (Peterson) Montero in Honolulu, Hawaii. On September 29, 1973 he married Barbara "Bobbie" Anne Montero in San Jose, California.

Bill (or Donald, as he was known by many) had many passions in his life including Judo and Ju Jitsu, roadsters, football, golf and his beloved Hawaiian heritage and culture.

At the age of 6, he began studying Judo and Ju Jitsu in Honolulu, Hawaii. When the family moved to San Jose, California, Donald continued to study under his father, Bill Montero Sr., when he opened Pacific Judo Academy. At the age of 16 he received his Black Belt in Danzan Ry Ju Jitsu, making him the youngest individual to receive a First Degree Black Belt. A year later he received his Black Belt in Judo. He competed in Judo locally, regionally, and nationally. He excelled at all levels and became known as a formidable and well-respected competitor in the sport. In 1962 he received the "Outstanding Judoka? award for overall achievement and sportsmanship on and off the mat. Later, he went on to coach children, teenagers and adults in Judo. He also formed a Judo team that competed at local, regional and national tournaments, always bringing home a number of trophies.

After building a custom 1932 Ford Coupe convertible with his father, his passion for roadsters was born. Nicknamed "Hula Girl", the two of them travelled to various car shows to display their custom creation. A few years later they built the companion roadster, aptly nicknamed "Hula Boy", which went on to win an award at the prestigious Oakland California Roadster Show as well as being featured in the popular roadster magazine, Car Craft.

Another of his passions was football. Seemingly born with a football in his hand, he would eventually become a star running back at Campbell High School. His college ball would be played at San Jose State University where, in his freshman year, he was coached by the legendary, Bill Walsh. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Donald was invited to try-out for the NFL professional football team, the Green Bay Packers.

A true sports renaissance man, Donald also had a great passion for golf. Always ready to golf with family and friends at courses in California and Hawaii, he was able to play some of the best courses in the world. However, his most memorable round would be played across the pond, at the historic Turnberry Golf Course in Scotland.

Later in life while living in Colorado Springs, he quickly connected with other transplanted Hawaiians and enjoyed many rounds at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course at Fort Carson. Through that group, he helped start "The Hawaiian Open", an annual golf event created to bring the Hawaiian families together to enjoy golf, good friends and the Aloha spirit.

As a native Hawaiian, his heritage and culture was core to how he lived his life. He loved spreading the Spirit of Aloha wherever he went, making family, friends or brief acquaintances feel welcome, loved and comfortable. From having an impromptu gathering at his home to organizing luaus for thousands of people, his Aloha Spirit was omnipresent and shined through like a beautiful rainbow over Kane'ohe Bay. His passion for playing the ukulele and singing traditional Hawaiian songs with family and friends while sharing good food and libations well into the evening was a hallmark of his life. He truly loved, laughed and lived the Hawaiian way.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Montero; his children: Debbie D'Antonio, Karen Tate, Philip Montero and Sherree Montero; his mother: Nora Montero; his grandchildren: Alyssa Royval, Nick D'Antonio, Rachel Zacrep, Ryan Zacrep, Will Montero and Olivia Montero; and his great-grandchildren: Jayden Royval and Deven Royval. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Montero and his son, Troy Montero.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, April 13th at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. A reception will be held following the Memorial Service at St. Raphael Episcopal Church–Parish Hall, 802 Leta Drive, Security, CO 80911.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill's name may be made to National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206.