By Ryan O'Connor
Staff Writer

Peter Montgomery has been categorized by friends and associates as a man with strong religious ties and a lifestyle reflecting his personality.

Montgomery, 67, a former Dunbarton selectman, police officer, fire department volunteer, and forest fire warden, died on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Concord Hospital.

Dunbarton Town Administrator Janice VanDeBogart said Montgomery was well respected by the community.

“He was an honorable man who dedicated his life to service to the town in a way that will not soon be forgotten,” said VanDeBogart. “We will always remember his faithfulness to duty, his warm smile, his kindness and integrity. A businessman and a dedicated family man, he was a role model for all and we are grateful for the time he spent with us.”

Montgomery was so influential in the community that on the day after he died, Dunbarton selectmen lowered the town’s flag to half mast as a show of respect.

Selectman Les Hammond met Montgomery roughly 50 years ago in a youth fellowship program.

They worked together at the fire department and Hammond succeeded him as selectman.

Montgomery taught him a lot over the years, Hammond said.

“I have a lot of positive thoughts about Peter, but if I were to describe him in a word, it would be ‘commitment,’” said Hammond. “He was committed to his family. He was committed to his business. He was committed to his church and he did an awful lot for his community. He was very dedicated and and when Pete was committed to something it was done right and done well.”

Town Moderator Fred Mullen was also a close friend of Montgomery, having served many years together in the Dunbarton Volunteer Fire Department.

“He was a strong religious person who never imposed his beliefs on anyone, but lived a life of example that has a left positive affect on those around him,” said Mullen. “We will all miss him.”

A member of Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, Montgomery served in several Christian ministries including Word of Life.

Trinity Baptist Church Pastor Chuck Phelps said Montgomery heard the message of the Gospel when he was 17-years-old and it changed his life. Montgomery accepted Jesus Christ into his life and never looked back, consistently living a Christian life but never pushing his beliefs upon anyone else.

“He was never harsh, just loyal, loving and consistant,” he said. “That was the story of his life.”

Montgomery often ushered at the church, said Phelps.

“He was a faithful example and he was always kind to invite and greet people as they came,” said Phelps. “He was always one to take a back seat and although it would make him very uncomfortable to be up front, he made his presence felt by his gracious demeanor and constant kindness.”

Montgomery was born in 1939 in Goffstown, the son of Donald and Helen (Walker) Montgomery. He graduated from Goffstown High School in 1957 and earned a degree from New Hampshire Technical Institute.

Montgomery’s first career was as a mechanic in Manchester before eventually becoming general manager and president of the Dunbarton Telephone Company.

He also served as director and president of the New Hampshire Telephone Association and as a member of the Telephone Association of New England.

Montgomery also served in the Army National Guard in the 3643 Ordinance Division. He was also a member of the Bow Pioneers Snowmobile Club.

Although Montgomery in his youth was known to drag race in Loudon and other New England race tracks, he spent much of his later years spending time with his family at Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, playing volleyball, garden tractor pulling and snowmobiling.

Funeral services took place Oct. 19, followed by burial at the Dunbarton Center Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Barbara (Andrews) Montgomery of Dunbarton, his son, David Montgomery, and daughter-in-law Linda of Dunbarton; and his daughter Deborah Powell and son-in-law, Marc of Dunbarton.

He is also survived by his sister Arline M. Little of Dunbarton; six grandchildren, Jaimie Montgomery, Andrew Montgomery, Thomas Montgomery, Jonathan Powell, Michael Powell and Benjamin Powell, all of Dunbarton; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Stuart Montgomery, in 2000.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 80 Clinton Street, Concord, NH 03301, or to the Dunbarton Fire Fighters Association, 18 Robert Rogers Road, Dunbarton, NH 03046.