Joseph Montoya

Joseph Bruce Montoya 1956 - 2011 On the afternoon of October 23rd our beloved Joe was on a Sunday Motorcycle ride with friends on Redwood Road and lost his life when an out of control car crossed the double yellow line into Joe's path. He was killed instantly. Joe lived a life that honored the environment and his fellow man. He believed strongly that there was more than enough to go around and practiced that belief on a daily basis, generously giving his time and money to numerous local and international agencies devoted to the health and welfare of all people and also to individuals he encountered personally who may have been in need of a hand. Joe was not one for many words, but his patience, reason and wisdom made him a sounding board for countless people over the years. Joe worked for East Bay MUD in various positions for the past 35 years. Most recently he worked as an instructor in the Pipeline Training Academy - a perfect job that paired his amazing ability to teach and mentor with his years of hands on experience in the trenches. One of Joe's passions was riding. He spent 17 years as the President of the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM-North). Prior to his time as President, he raced for many years as part of Team Bozo as a talented amateur and pro. Barbara Smith, Race Director for AFM, wrote a news release detailing his work with AFM and the high regard AFM and its members have for him. As in most of the things Joe touched he left an everlasting mark on the organization and many, many people. You can find the article in its entirety here - http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46468 Joe enjoyed spending time with friends and family (which include the two doggies, Nutmeg and Iggy, that he shared with his best friend, Holly). He was known to sit quietly on a barstool and while having a "pop", think or read or write stories or letters. He was a very gifted writer with writings full of humor, deep emotion and keenly descriptive. He spent many hours tending his vegetable gardens and shared produce with neighbors up and down the block. We are all devastated by his senseless and untimely death and will forever miss his quiet, yet strong presence. There are not words to convey what an amazing person Joe was. We will forever carry him in our hearts and minds. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of affection that has come from all those whose lives were touched by his humble strength, honesty, wisdom, loyalty, kindness and generosity. Joe gave much and asked for nothing. If you wish to honor Joe, we ask that you help someone in need. Some of the agencies that he helped support were: Boost! West Oakland, Alameda County Food Bank, East Bay SPCA, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Project Open Hand, Doctors without Borders and OXFAM. And be sure to tip your local bartender. We will let everyone know as soon as a date is set for a memorial gathering.