Montgomery Hester

1927 - 2018

May 3, 1927 - September 14, 2018 Montgomery "Ray" Hester died on Friday, September 14th at the age of 91. Born on May 3, 1927 in Pago Pago Tutuila, American Samoa, Ray lived in many different states growing up such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, and California. He spent his high school years in Long Beach where he was Student Body President at Woodrow Wilson High. He went on to Yale Universitywhere he graduated with honors in economic, moral and political philosophy. He then moved to Los Angeles to start a career in the insurance business. Later, he moved to Pasadena to ultimately become President of The William Wilson Company, a real estate firm, until he retired at age 62. While in Los Angeles, Ray met Diane Walter, from White Plains, NY, who was touring with a modern dance company. Sparks flew and he proposed six weeks later. That was the start of a 66-year happy marriage. Living in Pasadena, Ray and Diane raised their two children, Howland and Alison before moving to the Santa Barbara area where they have lived for the last 20 years. Always a gentleman, Ray had a great intellect, sharp wit and was a wonderful storyteller. He was kind, generous, humble, loyal and always interested in others. Ray is survived by his wife Diane; two children: Howland Hester and Alison Werts (William); his three granddaughters: Whitney Perry (Tyler), Carley Werts and Andrea Hester and, also, his soon-to-be great grandson, Baby Perry. He will be greatly missed.