Bernardo “Bernie” Montoya passed away in Winslow, on Nov. 21, 2022, at the age of 77. He was born on March 11, 1945, in Gallup, N.M., to Felix and Mary Montoya. As a child, Bernie’s father was a foreman for Santa Fe. His early childhood was spent residing on outfit cars traveling the railroad living along small towns in New Mexico and Arizona that are long gone. In 1960, they settled in Holbrook. Bernie graduated from Holbrook High School in 1966. In high school, he began working for The Tribune in 1963 chalking up a 27-year career with the newspaper. Starting with tasks and positions such as a janitor after school, to circulation and delivery and a printer, working his way up to advertising manager in 1974. Some of his fondest memories in life involved working for The Tribune and Winslow Mail. Those memories included the hundreds of accounts he handled and the people he met along the way, including politicians. Leaving his career in 1990 on the quest to try something new. He became an eligibility worker for the county and eventually the state. Retiring in 2003. Bernie met his best friend and love of his life Jill Parks-Montoya in 1986, and in February 1988 they were married. He fathered two children, Sammy Santiago in 1989 and Timothy Bernardo in 1993. Bernie loved being very active in his life never letting anything get in his way. He enjoyed spending time with his family, anything outdoors, traveling, reading, and working on projects around his house and his family’s; Often characterizing himself as the “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Bernie is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jill of Joseph City; his son, Timmy Montoya of Joseph City; four brothers and three sisters, Felix Montoya Jr. of Show Low, Johnny Montoya Sr. of Holbrook, Esther Bazan of Holbrook, Christine (Michael) Kurz of Holbrook, Manuel (Robert) Montoya of Waddell, Albert Montoya Jr. of Holbrook, and Gloria Montoya of Holbrook. Amongst many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Mary; his oldest son, Sammy Santiago; brothers, Albert Montoya Sr. and Ernest Montoya Sr.; and sisters, Esther Montoya and Eleanor Chavez. Bernie was a loving husband, father, brother and friend that will be greatly missed. Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, Nov. 28, at the Holbrook Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.
