GM Construction owner
Published in the April 6, 2017 edition
NORTH READING – Garry E. “Butch” Montgomery passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 after a sudden illness. He was born in Cambridge on December 15, 1944 to the late Eugene C. and Jane (Mellor) Montgomery. He lived in Waltham until he moved to North Reading 43 years ago.
Prior to his retirement, Garry was the owner of GM Construction. Garry met many people through his work and most knew him as “Butch” or “Butchie”, a childhood nickname that stayed with him over the years. Even after retirement, he continued plowing and excavating when someone needed his expertise.
Garry spent the last 19 years with the love of his life, Leslie, whom he would affectionately refer to as “lovely Leslie”. Anyone who knew them knew the love they shared and the life they had together. They traveled to Hawaii, and Disney World, Maine, New Hampshire and took many day trips on a quest to find the perfect lobster, seafood platter, or eclair. Garry loved spending time with his grandchildren CJ and Maddi. He called CJ “my brother”, watched and talked football with him. He called Maddi his “Maddi May”, allowed her to brush his hair and watched musicals with her. They shared his love of Richardson’s Ice Cream and would often have a banana split instead of dinner.
With that green thumb, Garry spent much of his time gardening and began to teach Maddi and CJ how to grow vegetables. They were very proud of the delicious tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and zucchini they grew. He made his famous sauce with the tomatoes that they grew together; the kids were so proud of their Papa and what they learned from him. Plants filled the inside of the house as well, all of which were the result of the love that was in that home.
Garry loved animals as well. Many called him Dr. Doolittle; he loved his dogs, Mr. Buckley and Sabrina, and his little Chihuahua Chi Chi, his horse Hannah, and a mysterious Siamese he named Siam. Over the years, he took care of so many animals. they were drawn to him, much in the same way as the people he met.
Garry’s interest in furniture making took a detour over the past few years and he began carving bears, people, and more recently birds of prey. He began taking carving classes with his mentor. His carving became more intricate and he began learning the art of pyrography. Garry hand carved many beautiful things and gifted them to family and friends.
Garry spent time visiting with extended family and friends. He would travel to New Hampshire to spend time with the Sprague family for birthdays and special holiday dinners, and he would make it a priority to spend father’s day with Kimberley and Annette to enjoy the largest lobster they could find.
Garry was a wonderful man who loved all that entered his world. However you knew him, whether you called him Garry, Dad, Papa, Grampy, or Butchie, he was always there with a welcoming bear hug or an engulfing handshake. He loved to be around people and he would talk to everyone. He was a giver who believed in the goodness of people, and was happiest when with family.
Garry leaves behind his loving partner Leslie Ward, and their family; Kristen Ward Humber and her husband Chris; Marci Ward Gerrior and her husband Joe. He was a special Papa to CJ Humber and Maddi Gerrior.
He was “Dad” to Kimberley Windt and Annette Burns-Latsha and her husband Don Latsha. He was Grampy to Joseph and Andrew Burns and Kasey Windt.
He is also survived by his daughter Patricia Montgomery and grandsons Brendan and John O’Neal.
He is survived by his sisters Sandra Linnell and Gail Bannon.
Garry was predeceased by his brothers Wayne C. and Larry Montgomery and his sisters Elizabeth Ann and Janey Montgomery.
He leaves behind his friend of 61 years, Louie Scalese, and also longtime friend Gerry Sprague Jackson and her family.
He will be deeply missed by all those he left behind; his extended family, relatives, and friends.
Garry treated people how he wished to be treated. To truly honor his memory, embrace the love, respect and kindness that he showed to all, and remember him in your words and deeds.
