John Bishop Montoya, 86, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away on August 31, 2017, while playing a round of golf. He was born to Jullana and Peter Montoya on April 8, 1931 in De Beque, CO. He was one of thirteen children George, Ernest, Joseph, Marie, George, Pete, Charlie, Carl, Joe, Beatrice, Phil, and Georgia.

Right out of high school, John worked in a Lead and Zinc mine in Colorado as well as at the Ice house loading ice in box cars. In 1953 he moved to California to work for the Ford Motor Company on the assembly line. At the age of 24 he moved to Washington State with his mother Jullana and his brother Carl, where Bob Roth trained him to be a plumber. Bob and John had many adventures, bought a few houses and moved them onto properties.  John went on to be a successful plumber for over 40 years and enjoyed the camaraderie on job sites with his fellow workers.

John married Beverly Kincy on April 1, 1961 and together they had a daughter, Juanita. They were married for 14 years.

In November 30 ^th , 1980 John married Judith Peterson and together they built a 36 year marriage, raised their three children: Juanita, Susan and Sandra.  During these years he continued to remodel and build the family home from 800sq ft to 6800sq ft.

John loved his family, always there to give advice or lend a helping hand. Had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed being outdoors including horse riding in his early years. He loved to experience life. He was a world traveler.  He and Judy visited everyplace with the exception of Antarctica including bungee jumping in Australia.  He loved to share his amazing adventures with you.  He loved playing golf, and any project that he could do with his tractor. He had a contagious laugh a quick wit and never met anyone that wasn't a friend by the end of the conversation. Finally, he was very proud of all his Children, Grandchildren and Great Grand-child.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Washington. A viewing will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home between 10am and 3pm on  Tuesday, September 5 ^th ; Graveside service will be on Wednesday,  September 6 ^th at 11 am at the Bow Cemetery. A gathering celebrating John's life journey that was full of wonderful memories, hard work, great stories and traveling adventures will be at the home of Judith and John Montoya following the graveside service.

John will forever be remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife, Judith and his loving family: children, Juanita and Dennis Pitman, Susan and Kelly Roughton,  Sandra and Roger Genandt; his grandchildren, Rick, Alyssa, Rheinna, Christopher, Tyler, Kyle, and Littl' Miss; Great Grand-child;  Kaylee. As well as his Nephews, Nieces, friends, members of the community and his golfing buddies.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Skagit County.