- Date Of Birth: July 7, 1931
- Date Of Death: November 25, 2023
- State: Michigan
Raymond Warren Montague, or \”Ray\” as he was affectionately known to many, buzzed off to the great apiary in the sky on November 25, 2023. Born in the heart of Victor Township, MI on July 7, 1931, Ray was as sweet as the honey he so passionately produced for 56 honey-soaked years of his life. His journey from 2105 N. Ovid Rd. Ovid MI, to 741 W. Front St. Ovid MI, and finally to Saint Johns, Michigan, was much like the journey of the bees he cared for – busy, purposeful, and full of sweet rewards.In the hive of life, Ray was the queen bee. He was a resilient worker, a courageous provider, and a witty companion to many. His loyalty to his family, his bees, and his commitment to an honest days labor were the honeycombs of his existence. Rays infectious humor and terrible quick wit never failed to bring a smile to those around him, even on the gloomiest of days. As the legendary Mark Twain once said, \”The secret to getting ahead is getting started,\” and Ray lived by these words, always rising with the sun to tend to his bees and his loved ones.Ray was a proud member of the Michigan Beekeepers Association, Great Lakes Honey Marketing, and the American Beekeepers Association. His dedication to his sweet profession was recognized when he was crowned Beekeeper of the Year in 1975. Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Almira Montague, and his beloved wives Marjorie and Marion Montague, Ray is survived by his children Randy (Jamie) Montague, Linda Boring, Gene (Donna) Montague, and Peter (Laurie) Montague. His legacy will continue to buzz through his grandchildren Peter, Danielle, Elizabeth, Michelle, Trevor, Caitlin, Haley, and his great-grandchildren Jonathan, Nicolas, Kendall, Olivia, Quinn.As we remember Ray, lets remember the words of Albert Einstein, \”If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years of life left.\” Rays life revolved around these vital creatures, and his legacy will continue to do so as well. We invite you to share your memories of Ray, and to upload photos to his memorial page.
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