Roger Montgomery

Roger was born in Ventura, CA and moved to Taft at an early age when his father was transferred with Tidewater Oil Co. Later moving to Fellows where he attended school until high school. He was a member of the 1972 graduating class at Taft Union High School. He was on the wrestling team, when that was still an option. He would later amaze his boys and their friends that he knew the moves they watched on WWF.

Upon graduation he moved to Phoenix, AZ where he attended the Arizona Automotive Institute. Working on cars and trucks was his first love. He began that at an early age working in high school at the local Chevy dealership and rebuilding heads for a local shop. You could often find an engine on the stand in his garage that he was rebuilding for a friend or relative.

Then the opportunity arose in the oilfields and he began his career with Getty Oil. He was fortunate enough to make it through all of the mergers and layoffs continuing with Texaco and eventually retiring from Chevron in 2012 after 35 yrs. He was able to achieve a degree in Safety Management from the University of Southern California which was a benefit to his advancement. He received several awards and accommodations along with monetary rewards for “inventions” that were used in the fields. He held many positions throughout his career starting in the field in McKittrick and ending as a Construction Supervisor at Kern River. Building things or working with his hands brought him the most satisfaction. He always tried to treat his employees with respect and dignity with most of them becoming friends.

He met his wife Robbin and they were able to share 44 years together. They had two sons together Joshua and Barry. As they grew up you could find him coaching baseball, football or basketball. He served on a variety of boards some including the JFL, Westside Little League and the latest was the West Side Cemetery District.

He was later blessed with two granddaughters which took him back to his coaching days but in softball this time. He spent as much time with them as possible. Their friends also came around like the previous generation of kids and many called him papa as well.

His favorite hobby was riding motorcycles. You could always find him on a motorcycle from a very early age until he could no longer physically ride. Harley Davidson was his bike having one in his garage from the age of 20. He also loved camping with his family and friends.

Roger was proceeded in death by his parents John and Berenice, his brother Stephen, and his son Joshua. He is survived by his wife Robbin, son Barry, granddaughters Hayley and Reagan. One brother, John, two sisters Denise, Cheryl and 80 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 220 North St., Taft, CA on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Please accommodate by wearing a mask and social distancing.

Published on February 11, 2021