Roland Arthur Montoure Jr.

Service Information

Private family internment on Thursday February 28th with public memorial to be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 3pm at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street.

Roland A. Montoure, age 81, passed away at his home in Blaine, Wa on February 19th, 2013. Roland, known to many as “Nin”, “Yoda”, or “Rollie” was the fourth of six children born to Roland A. and Minnie M. (Bellin) Montoure on June 3, 1931.

Roland spent his entire life in Blaine. As a young boy, Roland was an award-winning newspaper carrier and worked as a commercial fisherman and with the Alaska Packers. He graduated from Blaine High School in 1949 and served with the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. He attended Western Washington State College and began his career with the U.S. Customs, retiring as a Senior Customs Inspector in 1996 after 36 years of service.

In 1960 he married Marna Jo Minge, and together they raised five children. Roland enjoyed fishing trips to Canada in the summer, card games with his buddies, classical music, spoiling his cats, feeding the local wildlife, but most of all he loved catching up with what was going on with his family. Some say he was a better weather man than "that King 5 guy". He was a hard-working, giving man who was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents Roland Sr and Minnie, his wife Marna; his brother Harold, and sisters Minnie "Tutti" Dickinson and Shirley Aguero; and his best friend Don "Baz" Morrison. He is survived by his children Jana (Chuck), Karen (Chuck), Cathy (Frank), Sheri (Steve) and Roland Todd (Adrianne); his brothers Ray (Ethel), and David (Susan); 14 grandchildren; 3 great- grandchildren with one more due in June; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as many life-long friends. Also surviving him are his beloved cats. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Memorials may be made to the animal care facility of your choice.

Private family internment on Thursday February 28th with public memorial to be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 3pm at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street.

Memories

From HARRY B. SHELVOCK

rolly was one of the finest! it was a;ways a pleasure to work with him and using his guidence. harry

Feb 24, 2013

From Marcia Dewyea

Rolly was simply the best! He was a very good person and an animal lover. He was a mentor for people with whom he worked. Rolly you will be missed by me and many other people. I would see you in the grocery store where you were always buying cat food. One time you were getting deli meat and I said, " Oh, something for yourself". You answered, "No, some of my cats like it". The last time I saw you you told me that all of your friends had died. Well, not All of them! Marcia

Feb 24, 2013

From allen ostrander

Our original YODA. Rollie had the patience of jobe with us kids. Those truck office reports never seemed to ruffle him. Great fellow and late nights, he always had a fishing story. Blaine lost a real asset this week. the fish in heaven had better start worrying now, he will be netting them soon. As other have noted...one of the best!!!
Critter

Feb 24, 2013

From Katrina(Montou…

You were a great Uncle and mentor. I will miss you. I'm proud to be your niece. Thanks for wonderful memories, Uncle Nin.

Feb 26, 2013

From Cal Smith

I am proud
that Rollie was my father-in-law. Although Cathy and I separated years ago, he continued to be my friend. Hewas generous to a fault, and helped me out of temporary difficulties many times. He was truly, in many, many ways, one of a kind!

Feb 26, 2013

From Sharon Elaine

My deepest condolences over the loss of Mr. Montoure. Hold on to your cherished memories. Because nothing, not even death, can take away the special times you've shared together. In time, may your sadness be comforted by the warmth of family and friends. May YOU have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:2-4; John 11:11, 25; Matthew 5:5. May you find strength in the resurrection promise and may it never diminish from your eyes of faith. Heartfelt prayers are with the family.

Feb 26, 2013

From Barbara N. Dickeson

Jana, Karen, Kathy, Sherri and Todd.

I am so sorry about your dad. He was a good kind man who loved his family.

Feb 27, 2013

From William Dickeson

Sorry for your loss. Be well

Feb 27, 2013

From Bill Keown

Rollie was a great guy, lliked by everyone, and a pleasrue to work with at Customs. He ,looked forward to fishing in Canada with Bazzoo, Walt, Dick and Bob. He will be missed by his family & friends but he brought a lot to us that knew him.
Bill Keown

Feb 27, 2013

From Jeremy Montour…

Roland was my grandfather, and he was an amazing man. He was always there when I needed him and he was always very friendly and helpful, one of the most generous people I've ever known. I love you Grandpa, and will miss you.

Feb 27, 2013

From Paula Montoure

I'm so sorry for your loss. "Nin', as I knew him, was one of the most compassionate persons I ever met. He was such a family man. I know you will miss him. Thinking of you. Paula

Feb 28, 2013

From Meri Axberg

My condolences to the entire Montoure Family. Roland was my "Blaine Dad" and I have many fond memories of him and his brood throughout my childhood. You are deeply loved and will be missed by all Roland.

Mar 02, 2013

From Terry Morrison

Rollie was more than dad's best friend, he was part of our family as well. To say I will miss seeing him around Blaine is an understatement. I will picture his grin forever. All of us send our condolences. At least we know they are together playing cards once again.

Terry

Mar 02, 2013

From Rick Collier

Ah Rollie, sorry to not be able to see you around town anymore. Always a nice greeting and a good word. Such a wise and unassuming soul. Soaked in common sense and willing to think about a problem to calmly work things out. Deep natural goodness. But back in the day, a good man to have on your side in a fight with drunks at the border. He gave folks the benefit of the doubt, but when they pushed too far, he'd get mad and then watch out. Say hello to the boys........

Mar 02, 2013

From David Cullup

Family is important. Very important. No matter who the person is they will be family. Grandpa knew this. He taught me this through action. Words weren't too important to him, but action was.. As a child I was a bit intimidated by his voice and seemingly gruff demeanor. And, of course, fascinated with his large collection of cats! The cats, strangely, didn't seem too keen on returning my "affection".. I seem to remember a cat that somehow got painted. My childish understanding of him was chipped away by life as I've lived it. As I look back I realize that my own set of guidelines oddly echo my grandfathers. Family first. Work for family second, even if the job you have is not on your top ten list. In place of a sometimes forebidding figure, grandpa became a man I respected deeply as I realized these things about him. It was him who taught me to stick with my own family, regardless of how I felt at times. He also taught me to accept everything about a family member, even the negative. For regardless of what any of us did (drinking beer at school, falling out of trees, breaking windows...) he still stood outside and watched you leave, waving at you and smiling.

Mar 03, 2013

From Kim Jones

I just found out today about the passing of Rollie. He will be greatly missed by many people. He was a good teacher to the brokerage community always a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed our talks and he will be greatly missed by all.

Mar 07, 2013

From Jared Smith

Miss you grandpa. Love you. Hope you're well wherever you might be.

Feb 26, 2022

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