Patrick Erin Montgomery
Patrick Erin Montgomery, 85, of Goleta, California, passed away on December 29, 2025.
Born October 3, 1940, in Yuba City, California, to Alexander (“Monty”) and Helen Montgomery, Patrick—known to many as Pat or “Monty”—was the youngest of five children and the only child born to both parents. Growing up in a blended family in a very small home, sharing a room with his two brothers, brought the siblings especially close and shaped his lifelong sense of family.
Patrick attended Yuba High School, where he excelled as a natural athlete, lettering in baseball and football and sparking a lifelong love of sports. After graduation he continued playing football at Yuba College before joining the U.S. Army, where he proudly served three years. Stationed at Fort Ord in Monterey, he spent two years in Germany and formed lifelong friendships with fellow service members.
He later returned to Yuba College, again playing football as a standout defensive halfback. His performance drew interest from several state colleges, including Chico State, where he ultimately attended, earned his bachelor’s degree, and met his future wife, Susan Curran.
They married April 10, 1965, and in 1975 settled in Goleta, where they raised their three sons—Brian, Dennis, and KC. A devoted husband and father, he enjoyed family vacations, camping and road trips, and coaching and attending his sons’ sporting events, instilling a strong sense of sportsmanship. He shared many happy years with Susan before her passing in 1997.
Patrick first worked in banking before beginning a 26-year career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, serving as a civil employee, corrections officer, sheriff’s deputy, and ultimately a bailiff. He took great pride in his law enforcement service and retired in 1998.
In retirement he enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, daily neighborhood walks often with a dog, playing golf, and especially watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a devoted supporter of Dos Pueblos High School football and Dos Pueblos Little League, and if he wasn’t on his walking route, he could usually be found at a local ball game. In his adult years, time with his sons inevitably included conversations about sports.
During those neighborhood walks he met Susie MacDonald, who also lived nearby and often walked her dogs. Having both grown up with boxer dogs, they quickly discovered a shared affection for the breed and for long walks. What began as a friendly introduction in October 2000 grew into a deep companionship rooted in common interests, including musical and theatrical productions and travel to Hawaii. They married on September 28, 2002, and remained devoted partners for 23 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Helen Montgomery; his wife, Susan Curran; and siblings Kenneth, Jessie, and Kathleen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susie; sons Brian (Nicole), Dennis, and KC (Jessica); stepdaughter Heidi; brother Wesley Branaman; grandchildren Aidan, Patrick, Ty, Clayton, Jade, Connor, and Cayden; and great-grandson Crue.
Patrick loved history and enjoyed sharing what he knew. Known for his quick wit and dry humor, he was equally remembered for his spontaneous exclamations whenever something didn’t go quite right—moments that quietly brought laughter to those around him, even if he never realized it. His three sons adopted those trademark expressions years ago and have carried them on ever since, and in recent years a playful echo of one familiar saying has become a lighthearted family tradition that continues to bring smiles.
Above all else, Patrick loved his family. He will be remembered for his devotion to local sports, his many boxer dogs, and his daily neighborhood walks, where he became a familiar and friendly face.
A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date. For more information please send an email to grumpymonty22@gmail.com.
