Claude D. Montgomery

Claude D. Montgomery was born on February 10, 1938 in Prosser, Washington to Grace Irene Croft Montgomery and Alfred Montgomery and passed peacefully with his children by his side at his daughter’s home in South Cle Elum on October 8, 2026.

Claude was larger than life in every sense of the word. A hard worker, logger, rancher and business owner. He was above all else a family man. He lived his life with passion that was impossible to miss. There was nothing quiet about Claude – not his presence, not his opinions, not his laughter and certainly not his love for his family.

Claude was the 6th born in a family of eight children, 7 boys and an eldest sister. The family spent much of their childhood in Winthrop, Washington working a ranch with their parents. Claude’s father became ill in 1953 and passed away in 1954 when Claude was just 16 years old. His passing was very hard on the family and his mother, Grace, had to figure out how to support their family. She moved her family back to Ellensburg, where she would continue her college education and complete her teaching degree in an accelerated program. She moved the youngest four boys to Cle Elum in 1956 where she was a Home Economics teacher. Claude graduated in 1957 where he was a Warrior and continued being a Warrior Supporter throughout his life. Claude also attributes his work ethic to his mother who worked so hard to get her degree and support the family during a difficult time. Grace went on to receive the “Washington State Mother of the Year” award and taught well into her 70’s.

Claude had an adventurous life and many memories he shared throughout the years. After graduation he worked in the woods as a limber, and he had a job on Snoqualmie Pass where he was a high scaler. He and a partner would knock loose rocks off the high cliffs for the safety of the crews working below on what now is I-90. There was a devastating slide around 1958 that ended with equipment sliding into Lake Keechelus and casualties were reported. Claude had stated he was very lucky and someone was looking out for him that sad day.

He worked in various jobs his young adult life and traveled to Kansas City to work for an uncle around 22 years of age. He was recruited to the Army at 24 years old, became an instructor, and was accomplished and awarded in many competitions throughout his time there. He met Pansy in Newport News Virginia while he was in the Army, got married and moved her back to the West where they started their family. Theresa was born in 1967 in Ellensburg, Washington and Brad was born in 1969 in Kodiak, Alaska.

That was a story in itself. Claude, his brother Ron and Ray Owens Sr were hired to ranch an abandoned Island homestead about 80 miles off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska. Claude moved his family up there for two years, breaking horses and processing steers that had been wild for several years. It is a cherished memory he loved sharing.

Claude moved back to the Cle Elum area and worked as a logger for many years. He also had a logging business with his brothers in the mid 1970’s called Montgomery Logging where they used work horses in a contract on Blewett Pass. He always talked fondly of his siblings and enjoyed working with his brothers for those years.

Claude met Darrel Harris in 1980. They drove truck and did some long hauling for a while which led them to many adventures across the West. They settled down at the Nelson Dairy Farm outside Roslyn. They started their family and Cody was born in Ellensburg in 1982 and Jace was born in Cle Elum in 1984.

Claude was passionate about his children and grandchildren and loved nothing more than being there to support them. Whether he was watching from the bleachers or cheering them from the sidelines, he was always happiest simply being at sporting events or any activities the kids were involved in. You could count on him to have something to say about the game and he was sure to keep the referees on their toes and make sure they were doing their jobs correctly.

His greatest joy was having his family together in one place, and that is what made our annual Indian Camp long weekend in Teanaway so special for our immediate family and our biennial extended family reunions at Ron and Becky’s ranch on Masterson Rd so important and truly some of his and his families’ most cherished memories.

Claude believed in showing up for the people he loved and cared about. He took immense pride in the family he helped build, and he leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by possessions or accomplishments alone. It lives on through the people he loved, the memories he created, and the generations who will carry a piece of him forward. He truly was a one-of-a-kind cowboy – a strong, hardworking man with a personality as big as his heart. He will be remembered for his unmistakable presence, his unwavering love for his family, his larger-than-life laughter, and the countless ways he made himself a part of the lives of those around him.

Claude was deeply touched by the love and support he received from his community after his house fire, one year and two days before his passing. The kindness shown to him meant so much, and he truly felt the love surrounding him. It was a reminder of the many lives he had touched.

Claude’s passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of his family, friends and the community that knew and respected him. There will be one more empty seat at the Cottage café coffee bar where he spent so much time, sharing stories, telling jokes and visiting with his friends. There will be one empty seat next to his brothers in the gym where he so passionately would be rooting on the Cle Elum-Roslyn Warriors.

Though Claude has left this world, his legacy lives on in the stories that will continue to be told, the traditions that will carry on, the family he loved so dearly and the love he gave so freely.

Claude’s greatest pride was his family and his children. He is survived by his four children: Theresa (John), Brad (Deanna), Cody (Cait), Jace (Lisa); his grandchildren, Bryce (Randi), Heath, Hope, Gage, Gwen, Story, Hunter and Brody; and his great grandchildren, Naomi and Nash. He is also survived by three remaining brothers Alton, Ron (Becky) and Orville (Donna) and multiple nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and extended family.

He built fences across the County, but the greatest thing he ever built was family. That is the legacy he leaves behind – a legacy of hard work, loyalty, laughter and a love that will never fade.

A life well lived, Cowboy. You will be loved and missed always.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Swauk-Teanaway Grange on Sunday, November 22 starting at 1:00 p.m. Family and Friends are invited to Celebrate Claude’s life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Warrior Boosters in Claude’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Online donations can be made at https://warrior-boosters.square.site/