Vernon Stanley Montgomery (April 16, 1927 – June 2nd, 2021)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8 Living New Testament

It is with sadness the family of Vern Montgomery advise of Dad’s passing from a ‘fruit filled life’ lived to serve others to his heavenly reward in a seat next to his Savior.
Dad was born in Saskatoon on April 16th, 1927 to a Mother (Edna Gunderson) suffering from tuberculosis. Fortunately, Edna had arranged for her sister, Christina Montgomery, to adopt Vern as she was too fragile to care for him. This began a time for Dad with two Mothers and two Fathers. He grew up in Kinistino and Prince Albert where he finished school at PACI. Dad began a career with the Bank of Montreal and then accepted a role at Burns Foods as an accounting clerk. Dad loved the detail of his work and the trust that he earned from management to sign million-dollar cheques for cattle and livestock. When the plant closed in the mid-1970’s, he was offered a position in Edmonton but respectfully declined. He had built a lifetime of relationships in Prince Albert and they mattered more than anything else. He accepted an accounting role with the Government of Saskatchewan (DNS) where he finished his career and retired after working to ensure indigenous groups had appropriate housing across the northern part of the province.

On one weekend in 1954, together with his closest buddies, Dad drove to Waskesiu to check out the local young ladies that frequented the main beach (things haven’t changed much!). The boys met a group of young ladies and on June 2nd, 1956, Dad married Bernice Ross – our Mother and love of his life for nearly 50 years. They made a home at 1113 – First Street East and enjoyed their lifetime together. Dad would say that raising his family and serving his Church were his two greatest gifts. Most everyone else would say he was a gift to them. Active in square dancing, curling and golf, Dad and Mom deeply enjoyed their life in the community. Our family were proud members of the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church community (now Prince Albert Baptist Church) where Dad served as Elder for over 40 years & as Clerk of Session. They were married at St. Paul’s, Janice and Larry were married there in 1983 and Dad’s parents (Christina and Frank) in 1921. All our family members have been sent off with a funeral there since 1972. The church has had a central role in our lives. Recently, upon reflecting on his life, Dad said “…it’s like a dream, a beautiful dream”. That was Dad. Always positive. Always thankful.
Dad was a devoted husband and Father that radiated love to one and all. He wore his heart on his sleeve and everyone always knew where they stood with him. He touched many lives over the years. I suspect all were changed for the better in some small way. Many have said he was unique and unlike any other. He would say it’s just God working through him.

When Alzheimer’s’ progressed and Mom was moved to a greater care facility, Dad saw her every day and, on many occasions, twice a day. He would bring ice cream for the staff, read her passages from the Bible and would give her a few ‘pecks’ on the cheek. Her passing at age 76 left a big hole in his life and we weren’t sure he would recover but, he found new purpose in his grandchildren and carried on. Dad passing on June 2nd would have been his 65th wedding anniversary.

Dad was the consummate people person. He put others at the centre of every conversation rather than himself and was always appreciative of every effort taken toward him. He enjoyed “Tim’s and a muffin” with Brother John and always looked forward to meeting the rest of the Presbyterian gang for a meal and cake at Smitty’s when someone’s birthday rolled around. He had an infectious smile and enjoyed respectfully referring to ladies as “Dearie” or “Sweetheart”, with everything always being “Tickety-boo”.

A few years after Mom’s death in 2003, he was re-acquainted with an old friend he had met years before Mom. Dad and Jean Graham (recently deceased – Saskatoon) grew together quickly. This filled a hole left with the passing of their respective spouses. It was so great to see how much they cared for each other during the last years of their lives.

In 2017, Dad needed more care than his family could provide and Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert became his new home. He was loved by the MSJ staff, was described as “a Godly man” and loved to chat. He loved the ‘kids’ and ‘pets’ programs offered by MSJ and always had something positive for all he encountered. The Bible encourages us ‘to respect our father and mother and our time will be long in the land’. At 94, Dad enjoyed a life that was long, focused on the things that mattered: faith, family and friends. Dad, your unending service to others lives on and is part of your legacy. Even though you will not be with us physically, your attributes and consistent example of love and generosity will continue from generation to generation. We pray God will grant us the strength to measure up to the level you have set. Rest in Peace.

Vern is survived by his son Robert (Debbie), grandchildren David and Lauren (all of Calgary) and his daughter Janice Harmon (Larry), granddaughter Chelsey (Chris) MacLean, Lynn Harmon (Ceasar), great grandchildren Tiana, Cali, Violet and Poppy and grandson Mitchell (Lisa) and great grandchildren Larisa and Jasper (all of Saskatoon). He was predeceased by his wife Bernice in 2003, his new love – Jean, in 2021 and his parents Frank (1972) & Christina (1995) Montgomery.
A celebration of Dad’s life will be held on June 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the Prince Albert Baptist Church, with Pastor Dave Webster officiating. Due to the ongoing covid environment, the family asks that only close friends attend. Inside gatherings have been increased but capped to a maximum of 150 persons for funerals. Please ensure all provincial covid regulations are respected and guidelines followed including the wearing of a mask.
You may attend virtually through a livestream link at http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/13947 .

After the funeral service, the family would like to invite all to celebrate Dad’s life to get together (Yes, that’s not a misprint) at Kinsmen Park for a come and go casual time of reflection and celebration from 3-5pm weather permitting. Please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. We look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling face but …please wear a mask. We want to ensure we maintain full compliance with the current Provincial regulation of 150 people maximum at any one time at an outside gathering. Please come to celebrate Dad’s life but depending on how many attends, please plan to move along to allow others to participate. Signs will be posted to remind everyone of the need to ensure the maximum number is respected at all times.

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands and thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than by the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12: 22-24)
Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/vernon-montgomery/67113 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Carla Jesso, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2021-06-02
• Location : Prince Albert, SK