Mark Montague

Mark Edward Montague was born March 10, 1964 to James and Evelyn Montague in Oxnard, California. Mark grew up in Ojai, California, and graduated from Nordoff High School in 1982.

In 1992 Mark followed his parents to White City, Oregon. Mark worked several jobs, but his favorite job was ranching. Mark said his dad said as long as he loved his job it was never work. Mark's reply was “then you've never been a rancher.” Mark loved all aspects of ranching – his favorite time was calving season. He worked ranches in California, Oregon, North Dakota, and Montana.

Mark loved Motocross, Nascar, riding horses, team roping, rodeos, hunting, anytime spent with his two boys, and his adventures with his significant other, Kelly. Mark was a great storyteller, and could always make you laugh.

Mark mounted his horse, Jett, with his dog, Rikki, in his lap, and family to see him off as he rode off to Heaven where he met his dad and Jesus at the gates for the ride of a lifetime on October 20, 2023. Mark was preceded in death by his father, James. Mark is survived by his significant other, Kelly Hogan of Billings, Montana. His sons Justin (Sami) Montague, John (Taylor) Montague, grandsons – Bodhi and River Montague of Simi Valley, California. Sister, Christie Kelly of Templeton, California; niece, Maxance McManny. Mother, Evelyn Montague, and brother, Jamie (Trish) Montague of White City, Oregon; nephews Tyler and Brandon. His “in-laws,” Ed and Colleen Kriskovich of Billings, special friend and brother, Kevin (Shelly)Kriskovich of Joliet, MT. BIL, Craig (Misty) Kriskovich of Hobson, MT. Kelly's sons Jett and Reef Hogan, Christie (John) MacDonald, and Chad (Annie) Kriskovich of Billings. Countless number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and “brothers.”

Special thanks to Compassus Hospice and Kitty, c.n.a, and nurses Meredith, Shawn, and Sammi at Skyline Heights. Cremation has taken place. Services will be at a later date (TBD) in Eagle Point, Oregon.

Mark, we will miss you a lot, a lot, a lot.

I Know You'll Miss This Man

By Baxter Black, DVM

The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts that stood with hats in hand

“Your sadness pains me deeply and I know you'll miss this man.

But, it's true what you've been hearing. Heaven is a real place.

That's no small consolation. You should use that fact to face.

The emptiness his parting left that seeps into your bones

And draw on it to ease your pain. For he is not alone.

You see, all his friends are up here and all his loved ones, too.

‘Cause it wouldn't be a heaven without each one of you.

And heaven for a cowboy is just what you might expect.

It's horses that need tunin' up and heifers that need checked.

It's long rides with a purpose and a code that lights the way

And a satisfying reason to get up every day.

It's the ranch he's always dreamed of and never knew he'd find.

And if you think about it, you can see it in your mind.

Him leanin' in the saddle with his ol' hat on his head,

Contentment set upon his face like blankets on a bed.

The leather creaks a little as he shifts there in the seat.

The bit chains give a jingle when his pony switches feet.

And you somehow get the feelin' that he's sittin' on a throne

A gazin' out on paradise just like it was his own.

I can promise you he's happy, though I know you can't pretend

You're glad he made the journey. It's too hard to comprehend.

The earthly ways you look at things can never satisfy

Your lack of understanding for the answer to the ‘Why?'

So, I offer you this small comfort to put your grief to rest,

I only take the top hands ‘cause my crews the very best.

And I know it might seem selfish to friends or next of kin

But I needed one more cowboy and Mark Montague fit right in.”