Gary E. Montgomery

Gary Elbert Montgomery was born to Elbert and Laura Montgomery on October 31, 1934, in Hanford, CA. He passed away January 5, 2026, at his home in Hanford, CA.

Gary grew up on the family farm. He decided at a young age that he wanted to be a veterinarian.

His education began at Excelsior School and then Hanford High School. There he was on the tennis team, played saxophone in the school band and played nights with a dance band. At one such event he met the, soon to be, love of his life; Diane Miguel. Gary graduated in 1951 and that fall entered U.C. Davis, working on a bachelor's degree. While at Davis, he and Diane wrote to each other and on occasion Diane would ride, with his parents, to Davis for a visit. In January 1956 they were married. In June Gary received his Bachelor's of Science in Veterinary Medicine and in 1958 a D.V.M degree. The next two years were spent, in Texas, in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps as a First Lieutenant.

After returning to Hanford, California, he opened a bovine practice, limiting himself to dairy cattle. Diane was his bookkeeper and receptionist. Over the years, his clients became cherished friends. After 22 years in private practice, Gary accepted a position with the State of California as Chief Veterinarian of the Fresno office. The adjustment was hard at first, but he enjoyed the diversity and freedom of time this position afforded him. He retired with 13 years in 1997. During that time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his friends and colleagues. He and Diane cruised to Hawaii and Mexico, traveled to Oregon and Alaska for family weddings and drove cross country to visit friends and see new sights. They made a point of ringing in the New Year at their house in Morro Bay with family.

Gary never hesitated to get involved in the community and was known for having an opinion on things. He served on Pioneer Union Elementary School Board and Hanford High School Board, Mosquito Abatement Board, Kings Fair Replacement Heifer Committee, Tulare Kings Veterinary Medical Association, Kings County Republicans, Jolly Bunch Dance club, Elks Club, Sound Wave (big band music), Reedley College Jazz Band, and 4-H to name a few.

He treasured the many friendships he had collected over the years, if you were in, you were family for life.

Gary was very proud of the fact that he had a pilot license. He enjoyed attending Air Shows, Tennis (playing and watching), Running, Soccer (coaching and playing), Back Packing with family and friends, Water Skiing, Playing Music (clarinet and saxophone), and Reading.

Gary is survived by daughters, Garen (Louis) Oliveira and Yvonne (Gil) Jessup. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Laura Goodreau, James Goodreau, Graydon (Jade) Jessup, Tanner Jessup, and Ragan Jessup. Gary has one great grand- daughter, Asa Jessup. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joy Montgomery, a brother- in-law, Wayne Hagood and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Diane Y. Montgomery, parents Elbert B. and Laura M. Montgomery, and his brother Robert D. Montgomery.

Funeral Mass will be held on January 19, 2026, at St Brigid's Catholic Church, 1001 N Douty St, Hanford at 10 a.m. and fellowship luncheon to follow. The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers, Krista Rogers, Erlinda Mendoza, Duny Mabel Vallesillio, Tess Carrein, and Mary Ortega, for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Kings County 4-H Sponsoring Committee 680 N Campus Dr., Suite A, Hanford, CA 93230