Ernest Montgomery

Ernest Montgomery



Ernest Emerson Montgomery passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, February 3rd. Ernie (aka Monty) was born in 1931 in New Haven, Ct. into a family long connected to Yale University. He attended Westtown Friends School in Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina where he lettered three years in soccer and was named to the Southern Conference (now ACC) all-star team. He received his Masters Degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and studied in Paris and Geneva on a Fulbright exchange scholarship, specializing in African economic and political affairs. His early professional career centered on West Africa where his work was recognized in several books and articles. The eminent CBS journalist, Eric Severeid wrote in his syndicated column and book " THIS IS ERIC SEVEREID" (advising President Kennedy's Peace Corps organizers) "I suggest the administration seek counsel, as far as Africa is concerned, from Ernest Montgomery. Ernest is a redheaded, easy-going lad from Connecticut. On the grassroots level he was the most effective representative of America I've run across in years ¦He was a State Department Information officer, the only official American among millions in Eastern Nigeria. He never preached, he never tried overtly to improve the people, he never expected gratitude or even results, so he often got both ¦He was the type who could drift around the countryside, equipped with sleeping bag and digest the local food. He was full of drive and enthusiasm. He knew more about what was really happening in that big section of Nigeria than any foreigner there For 25 more years, he continued working on economic development in Africa and Europe with the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and as a consultant for the UN Development Program, USAID, the World Bank, and private corporations. His loved ones can read his African Recollections at www.montysmemoir.com

Ending his career overseas (for the most part), he moved to New Mexico (it reminded him of Africa) with former wife Carole, raising their five children here: Kelly, Chris, Andrew, Sarah and Gillian. For many years he worked in the investment business beginning with the local firm Quinn and Co. He served on several boards including Crossroads Africa and Barrett House. In 2009, he retired from RBC at age 78.

His family and friends remember him for his kind heart and smile. He was a true gentleman to all. His kindness and generosity touched many lives and his house was always a welcome place to stop by for a visit, a drink, or an extended stay. In his retired years, he continued to travel and make new friends while also reminiscing with those he had welcomed into his heart long ago. He loved to walk his dog, spend time with family near and far, and pay visits to his many dear friends.

He is survived by his five dear children, and their partners; his eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, (ranging in age from two to thirty); long-time love, Christine Brennan; her children Aubrey and Christopher; his sister Christina Marshall, and his devoted nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his mother, Jean Kaiser from Madison, CT and Corrales, and his father Roger Montgomery; two sisters Sue and Linda, and his best friend Alex Bandy. From age four and onwards his father made him recite ad nauseam the "Ten Great Things" to guide your life be kind, work hard, be a good sport, keep your mind and heart open, look at yourself in a little mirror and smile (know thyself), etc. Monty tried, most of the time, to follow his dad's advice.

Ernie, asked that contributions in his memory be made to his youngest daughters NGOs; The Garden's Edge in NM and Surfrider Foundation, Vancouver Island Chapter.

Services will be held on May 11, 2019 at The Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque and will begin at 1pm.