Robert Mathew Montion

OCCUPATION: Hospital Administrator PLACE OF DEATH: Visalia Robert (Bob) Matthew Montion was born to Ruth and Louis Montion on September 21, 1956 in Visalia, CA. Bob was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to everyone he encountered. Called baby boy by his mother, baby bro by his siblings, Bobby by his wife, pops by his children, and poppa Bob by his grandsons. Since a young child, he turned his own health struggles into an incredible will to help others, stating his experiences made him lead his life with compassion towards others. In every facet of life Bob led with compassion, generosity, and kindness. He was positive in the most difficult times and put his own problems aside to aid others. Many people knew Bob through his work running hospitals throughout Tulare and Kings County. Others knew him as a coach, mentor, and local community activist. Never one to deny responsibility, he was fearless and confident in his vision to improve the lives of the people in his community. He often worked from a hospital bed, coached soccer and basketball games suffering from his ailments because he would never want to let someone down. What many don’t know about Bob was his genuine charity and compassion. Performing midnight rounds throughout the Emergency Department, comforting complete strangers in difficult times, and buying food and clothing for children affected by tragedies. Donating entire bonus checks to those in need, covering funeral expenses in private, and medical bills for many in their most trying times. Devoted Christian attending mass faithfully and showing the love of Christ through his actions. Bob had a playful, child-like sensibility especially with his grandchildren. He was known to dress up as Big Van Vader and wrestle with his grandsons. Spontaneously breakout into singing “The Music of Night” or any Phantom of The Opera song at dinner parties and campouts. Reciting Cheech and Chong lines at will to make you laugh. And was the most competitive elbow-throwing basketball player you would ever meet. Bob is preceded by his father Louis Montion and twin sons Brian and Paul Montion. Survived by his wife Sylvia Vaca and four children Robert, Matthew, Eric and Olivia. Also survived by his grandsons Thomas, Azreal, Addison, and Mo Mo. His mother Ruth Montion and his brothers and sisters Louis, Mickie, Mary, Erma and Gilbert. He will also be greatly missed by his former wife and friend Emma Marquez Hernandez and his future daughter in laws Melissa and Laura. Rosary will be prayed at 6:00PM on Friday September 11th at Salser & Dillard. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:30 AM with reception to follow. SURVIVED BY; PRECEDED IN DEATH BY; VISITATION WILL BEGIN (none) SERVICES: A rosary will be prayed at 6 PM on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, September, 12, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Visalia. BURIAL WILL BE AT (private) A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Robert Mathew Montion

September 21, 1956 - September 5, 2015