Rick Lee Montoya's Obituary
Rick Lee Montoya, 53, of Heber City, passed peacefully on July 22, 2026 after battling declining health over the last few years. Rick lived a passionate, full and adventurous life.
Rick was the son of Roy Montoya Sr., and Judy Thompson Breeden. He was born in Fort Riley, Kansas, where his father was stationed in the military. Rick's childhood was marked with the enthusiasm and energy of a carefree spirit, and he never lost that energy. Both of his parents remarried when he was young, and Rick grew up with two loving sets of siblings. He took the role of big brother and protector seriously from a young age, but there was no shortage of fun. He and his brothers would gather friends around town to turn shopping carts into go carts, ride bikes to the river to fish, bowling, arcades and all of the carefree fun a small town boy was afforded back then. He embraced the fun of those decades, best music, best movies and best cars, always enjoying the company of countless friends. Often as some boys do, they would have a little too much fun and his mom would be quick to set him straight. She was his guiding light and biggest supporter. Rick grew up camping, hunting and working on his grandfather's farm. He also loved going to Grandma Leona's, and seeing his Montoya cousins. He loved the solitude and peace of a river or lake, but equally cherished his abundance of friends; he knew everyone it seemed. Always smiling, his laugh that would light up a room, humming old time country music, picking wildflowers; we will miss his larger than life, adventure-filled spirit.
The biggest highlights of his life were his three children. Time with them, moments that were treasured keepsakes, the love he held for each of them in different ways but always deeply. Those are the moments he always came back to, for comfort and the hope that they knew his love for them. Time, distance, or circumstance, he would not allow his love for them to diminish. Rick's love was profound for Ricky. He was so proud of their bond, unique to a dad and his son. He beamed with pride, speaking of the father Ricky had become.
Rick's biggest passion was fishing. He was an expert fisherman, enjoying this hobby with his dad especially. He enjoyed working as a fishing guide, going to tournaments, tying flies, teaching his son, friends and their children, nieces and nephews, and really anyone about fishing. He had many fish mounted and he was so proud of the monsters he could reel in. Once caught, he could fillet and cook fish like no one else. Everyone has one, if not countless, fishing stories with Rick. He had many pets over the years but none he loved quite as much as Poseidon and Grace. They went through good and bad together, people often wondered if he was more attached to them, or them to him. They were inseparable. In the end, Rick knew they were in the best care, with the only people he would have wanted them to be with. Rick held deep faith for his savior, Jesus Christ, relying on that relationship, often quoting the Bible, and encouraging others to read it too.
Anyone who was a friend to Rick knew he had a huge heart and so much love to give. He gave without ceasing, his love, time, energy. He helped in many people's lives when it was the hard choice, when others turned away. Even if he had little to give of his own, if he knew you needed help he would figure out how to help you. This is the compassion Rick was known for, that his love for you knew no bounds, even when his love was met with much less. He exemplified the kind of compassion that forms from wrestling with a disease no person should have to endure. That he fought, each and every day, to turn the pain of the past into a future he longed for. In the end, he did. He came home, he cherished relationships and was so thankful for the time he was given to reconnect and enjoy good moments with those he loved. It was a gift to him and he spent that time well. This might be the gift that Rick's life gave us, to look to a person's heart, see them as the story they have embraced, survived, endured. Rick's life is a testament to the faith and love that will bring you through.
Rick is survived by his father, Roy (Joyce) Montoya Sr. Children, Ricky Montoya, Kemmer Watts, and Sabrina (Robby) Parkinson. Brothers and sisters, Roy (Meschelle) Montoya, Misty (Chris) Givens, Chris Foard, Todd (Katrina) Foard, Melissa (Suliasi) Hufanga. Grandchildren, Macoy, Harlee, Salem, Elijah, Oliver, aunt Marla, life-long friends Cindy and Shaun Humpherys, many nieces and nephews, cousins, uncles, and countless friends that he considered family. Preceded in death by his mother Judy Thompson Breeden, step-father Jim Breeden, sister Annette Montoya, many aunts and uncles. Grandparents Manuel Montoya, Leona Montoya (Glen Sweat), Clarence and Grace Thompson, Bob and Esther Breeden.
Details for a celebration of life will be set soon. For Rick's final wishes, his resting place will be at the Heber City Cemetery Niche Wall so that loved ones may have a peaceful place to memorialize him. If you wish to donate in contribution to the niche, his sister Misty will be taking donations via Venmo. A heartfelt thank you to all those who truly saw Rick, and treated him with the compassion he showed others. Rest easy Rick, our dear father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend. We love you always and will cherish your memory. May you rest in peace, until we meet again.
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