Keith Montambo

Born in Stambaugh, Keith enjoyed a childhood of hunting, fishing, target shooting, skiing, and golfing. If that wasn’t sporty enough, he learned to fly. Those precious early years fostered his love for nature and a desire to preserve our forests for the next generations.

After high school, he earned a degree in forestry from Michigan Tech. From there, he served in Germany and Washington D.C. with the Corps of Engineers as a commissioned officer.

Keith was raised to be active in the community and was an avid volunteer. He was a member of the Elks Club, Pilots Club and president of the school board all while holding the position of president of Keweenaw Land Association. His career spanned years spent in Oregon, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Michigan. Everywhere he went, he planted trees, preserved forests and managed ways for them to thrive.

As a dad, he attended every game or track meet his son or daughter had, always with great enthusiasm and support. He loved to sit with friends on the breezeway and talk about politics or even how to live on a shoestring budget while sharing a beer. And there was no better grandfather. He had no reservations of putting on the goalie gear and letting his grandsons shoot soccer balls and pucks at him. He was the kind of grandpa that had other kids coming to the door to ask, “Can your grandpa come out and play?”

When the years saw a slowing down of his body, he still found time to do his yoga. He truly enjoyed yoga on the beach in Florida with his friends, followed by coffee and laughs. Our dad always had a smile on his face and room on his dance card for a pretty lady.

There are countless lessons he taught all of those who knew him and loved him but none more important than to find joy where ever life takes you. He charmed everyone around him with his quick smile and some sort of Montyism wit.

To say we will miss him is an understatement. So, in Gramp’s words, we’ll keep our powder dry and look for the joy you so freely taught us to share with others.

Keith was predeceased by his wife, Karen, the mother of his children; son Kevin; and his late in life wife, Kay.

He is survived by his brother, Roger and wife, Sharon Montambo; son Scott Montambo and wife Teresa; daughter Susan Army and husband, Tim. Additionally, he is survived by grandsons Dylan Montambo and wife Candace, Derek Army and wife Jennifer, Chase Montambo and wife Shannon, and Travis Army and wife Eleanor; plus eight great-grandchildren, Charleston, Greyson, Jasper, Boone, Adelina, Micah, Bennett and a little one on the way … kiss her, grandpa, before she comes our way. We all thank you for the wonderful charmed life you gave us and we’ll remember you in every hike in the woods we take.

As our dad would say, “And that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Condolences to the family of Keith R. Montambo may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.