Charles Blair Montgomery

1951 - 2022

Charles Blair Montgomery, 70, of New Orleans, LA passed away peacefully on January 13th surrounded by his family. He'd battled both Alzheimer's and cancer. Charlie was born on April 27th, 1951 to Pat and Jim Montgomery in Watertown, NY. He spent an idyllic childhood alongside his four brothers and nearby cousins. After graduating from Watertown High, he earned a Master of Architecture degree from Tulane University followed by a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Virginia. While at Tulane, he was an active member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. It was on a cold day in 1970, during a DKE party, that he met Barbara Barnard, a student at Newcomb College. Always the gentleman, Charlie offered her his jacket. They were married within a few years. He put Barbara first and was a very doting and loving husband during their 49 years together. After graduating from UVA, they returned to New Orleans where Charlie began his career as an architect with Mathes, Bergman & Associates, then became a partner at The Mathes Group, and ultimately started his own firm, HMS Architects, along with partners Mike Howard and Keith Steger. He managed the firm until his retirement. For decades, he designed distinguished projects in the New Orleans area and across the country, specializing in hotels and music schools. Charlie was an active member of the New Orleans architecture community. While President of AIA New Orleans, he spearheaded the development of their office on St. Charles Avenue. After retiring he spent his time between New Orleans and Waveland, Mississippi. Charlie was a lifelong outdoorsman and a natural athlete. He grew up horseback riding with his father, playing tennis, golfing, and skiing. He was an avid sailor and instilled his love of the water in his sons. He enjoyed his time at Tulane as a member of the sailing team and went on to become an active member of The Southern Yacht Club, spending countless weekends on Lake Pontchartrain and participating in various regattas. He supported youth sailing, was President of the US Optimist Dinghy Association, served on the board of the SYC, and chaired the Race Committee. He was the ultimate father, supporting and encouraging his sons in all they pursued and leading by example. He taught them everything from how to wield a hammer to how to trim a sail. He always attended their athletic events and served as President of the Newman School Dad's Club. Charlie was always willing to lend a helping hand, often assisting friends renovate their homes or trailing boats all over the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast. He was a gentle man with a steady hand, an open heart and a ready smile. Living a block from the parade route, Mardi Gras was always an especially fun (and protracted) time at the Montgomery house. He and Barbara had a "wide open door" policy, hosting hordes of relatives and friends year after year. Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Jim Montgomery, brother, Scott Montgomery, and stepfather, Leon Quick. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his two children, Ben Montgomery (Anna), Scott Montgomery (Amy); six grandchildren: Sarah Blair, Charlie, Marie, Maddie, Meyer, and Marit; his brothers, Jay Montgomery, William (Krissy) Montgomery; Gregory (Karen) Montgomery; and stepbrother, Jay Quick. Charlie was an active member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church having served on the Session. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Memorial Service at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State St, New Orleans, LA on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. Visitation at the church followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Please visit lakelawnmetairie.com to sign the guestbook. Arrangements by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association listed on his memorial website or to the charity of your choice.