Robert Montgomery

1936 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Montgomery passed away, with his loving wife Joan by his side, on October 25, 2025 in Roseville, CA. He was 88 years old.

He was born Nov. 20, 1936 to Richard Barr and Alice Sueell Montgomery in Oakland, CA, Bob had 4 siblings: Mary Alice Montgomery Kruse, Norman Dudley Montgomery, Anne Sueell Montgomery Duncan and Barbara Montgomery Propst.

Bob grew up on Ivy Drive (off Park Blvd.) in Oakland. He attended Cleveland Elementary School and Oakland High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree and his Master's in Public Health from UC Berkeley, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

On March 5, 1960 Bob married the love of his life Joan Svendsgaard, only knowing each other for 6 weeks before their engagement, and were married for over 65 years. Together they lived in Oakland, CA; Berkeley, CA; Seattle, WA; Rye, NY; Irving, TX; Orinda, CA; Walnut Creek, CA; Roseville, CA.

Early in their marriage Bob and Joan had 3 children: Scott Anthony, Elizabeth Jane and John Dudley. Bob was a devoted family man who embraced his role as a father with love, wisdom and a whole lot of fun.

Bob had a stellar career in healthcare, for which he was very passionate. He was well known as a visionary, innovator and the epitome of inclusive management. His years at Alta Bates, Berkeley, CA; American Health Capital, NY City, NY; Voluntary Hospitals of America, Dallas, TX; Sutter Health, Emeryville, CA. were very rewarding to him personally, professionally and impactful to so many.

Bob maintained a very close group of lifelong friends from childhood and high school. He and his family enjoyed sailing and racing on the San Francisco Bay and the Long Island Sound, as well as many special times shared at Lake Tahoe. With his sailing buddies he competed in a Transpacific Yacht Race (Los Angeles to Honolulu, HI) and a race to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He loved the game of golf, and played casually with his friends or competitively in tournaments. He even travelled the world to play many courses on his bucket list. Bob was an active member of the Orinda Roadrunners and served on the Foundation Board of the Oakland Zoo for many years. After retirement, Bob ran in the Paris Marathon and the Millenium Marathon in New Zealand, which was the first athletic event in the world on 1/1/2000! He hiked Mt. Whitney and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bob and Joan enjoyed extensive world travels and shared many adventures. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs Tar, Sparky and Dudley.

Bob is survived by his wife Joan; children Scott (Joanna Jullien), Elizabeth and John (Durbis Pacheco); siblings Anne Duncan and Barbara Propst; and many dear nieces and nephews. He had 9 grandchildren: Benjamin and Kevin Montgomery; John, Robert, Anne and Elizabeth Hofinga; Kathryn and Alexander Montgomery and Paula Rincon. He also had 8 great grandchildren: Carter Montgomery and David Kruger; Abigail and Cameron Montgomery; Henry, Gus and Foster Flynn; Harper Hofinga. Special thanks go to his amazing caregivers: Emy, Alisha, Akila and Estera.

Bob's Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA and a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held immediately following at Scott's Seafood Grill, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA. A private family burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oakland Zoo by visiting www.oaklandzoo.org/donate or Sutter Health by visiting www.sutterhealth.org/giving.