If you missed the Paddle-Out Ceremony and you would like to leave your thoughts or memories of Troy, please write an email to surfers @ boardfolio.com with "Remembering Troy Montamble" in the subject line.

THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES OF TROY

If you would like to leave your thoughts or memories of Troy, please write an email to surfers @ boardfolio.com with "Remembering Troy Montamble" in the subject line.

Posted 05/16/09 by Mom
It's me again - your mother - my birthday was yesterday and of course Troy was on my mind all day - My mind was back on May of 2001 when you took your Aunt Camille and myself out to lunch for both of our birthdays since they both fall in May. What fun we had that afternoon - little did we know we only were going to have 1 month left with you on this earth. If I had any indication I would have taken you into my arms and never let you go. I just finished reading all the tributes all your friends have posted (which I do more then anyone could imagine)and it gives me such a warm and tingling feeling in my heart. I still say to myself why did God take Troy June 2001 - He surely knew we were not ready to let him go - I can only imagine that Troy was finished with the reason he was on this earth. But this does not make it easy for any of us. Troy will be 40 on October 5th 2009. It is hard to believe that so much time has gone by, yet it still feels like just yesterday I saw Troy. I still go on with life because Troy would not want it any other way - I am of course not the same person - only my name remains the same. Troy is in my heart and mind forever. I love you so much Troy, it becomes almost too much for me to go on living - but you know I will - all I do is just think of you and know you are in a better place. You continually make me proud you are my son and give joy to me everyday - Sometimes I think I am the only Mother that loved their son more then could have been humanly possible. My love is so strong for you that sometimes I feel if I just reach far enough I'll be able to touch you. My heart is always in such pain - the only time the pain stops is when I see and hear you in my thought - Until I see and hold you again - Mom

Posted 05/01/08 by Chris Grant
Hello friend. You come up quite often in conversations with my little grom. I was telling him the other day about the last time we ate at KFC. You had driven down to Carlsbad to help me move into our new house and as a "thank you" I took you to KFC. Probably two minutes after lunch we were both racing each other to get to the bathroom first. I've surfed a lot with CO over the past few years and hardly a session goes by without a funny Troy story coming up. And I'll never, ever forgot our "Surf Into Summer" two-day session at Lowers way back when...to this day the best two surfs of my entire life. Your friend always, Chris

June 14, 2001 Linda's life as she knew it ended and she began a new life, one that she could never have imagined. How will she continue to live without Troy?

When two human beings are as close as possible to being one and one is ripped from your body—the pain is unbearable. There is no name for the pain that I am going through. I can only describe the pain of losing Troy is like a disease taken over my heart which there is no cure—it is terminal. Although I continue to fight this disease, I realize the person I caught this disease from is also the one who is able to keep me living. Thinking of Troy throughout the day gives me strength to keep the disease under control—it is the medicine I take many times throughout the day. My medicine is Troy's smile/smirk, his laughter, his sense of humor. Troy had more courage and strength than anyone I have known. He was generous and kind to all living things, his talent as an artist and so modest about his work (he was one of a kind). I was always so proud of Troy, he gave us all so much happiness. Troy was fearless because of his trust in life, he never complained even in his darkest hour. Troy was a happy baby, little boy and young man, his heart was bigger than life itself. There was no room in Troy's heart for hate, he was kind and sensitive to everyone's feelings and never judged anyone. Troy was gifted in so many ways. One of those gifts he had was to live every day to the fullest. His love for life was larger than anyone could imagine. Troy was able to balance work and play, which came with the common sense he had. Troy's graduation day at Long Beach State University can only be described by looking at his face that day. Troy loved surfing, it was on his mind the minute he woke up everyday. Most of Troy's happy times were with his family and friends. Each and every one was so much a part of his life and so important to Troy. I cherish every moment I had with Troy. Troy was my hero. I feel so lucky I had Troy for over 31 years. Three important words of Troy's were Life, Family and Friends, and he lived his life by those 3 words. All of us are different in some ways since June 14, 2001. Troy changed my life forever and I don't doubt he changed yours. Troy will live in our hearts and minds forever. Troy will never, ever be forgotten.

When you feel sad and think about how much you miss Troy—close your eyes like I do and you too will see Troy's beautiful face with that smile/smirk looking back at you, you too will hear Troy say—dry those tears, for I am near.

Troy, someday I will be able to hold you in my arms again.

Until then, I love and miss you with all my heart.

Mom

Posted 11/28/04 by Matt
Hey Ya'll! Sorry I missed meeting you. I was at the eulogy, & was profoundly moved. I had known Troy since he was just a tadpole, & I sensed he was an old soul. My brother Butch told me Troy was his 'Hero'. All I know is, Troy was able to synthesize all of his senses into a common reality - he had fun, & it translated into his art, & into his life. I wish I had known him better.



Posted 07/25/04 by Robert Taylor
Even though I come to this site often it has taken me awhile to write something down, maybe because I can't believe you are gone. It's been a little over three years, but seems like yesterday that we were surfing or having lunch together. I can still see your smile and hear you laugh. There is not many days that go by, especially in the water that bring a big smile to my face thinking of one of the many good times we shared. Noah and Jordan ask about you all the time. Until we see each other again. LOVE BERT, ANNIE, NOAH, JORDAN and CJ

Posted 05/13/04 by Walter Gates
Just stumbled upon this site. I didn't hear the sad news in time. Troy was a great guy. I have great memories of surfing with Troy. We had surfed San Onofre, Trestles, Newport and Huntington during high school and after. Wish I could still ask him for a "buck" for gas. See you in Heaven.


Posted 05/11/03 by Chris Grant
I miss you Troy. It's been nearly two years and it still doesn't seem real to me. I never know what it's going to be that triggers my thoughts of you...a new board, a fun offshore day, the walk into Trestles, surf videos, paddling out and seeing someone do a crisp turn like yours. It still seems like you're just on vacation or something and that we're going to get together any minute and head to Lowers. I can still hear your laugh and see your smile, and I look forward to the day when we'll hook up again in heaven.


Posted 05/26/02 by Michael Ure
I only knew Troy a couple of years. And now nearly a year later Troy is still very much in my thoughts and in the conversations of his friends. Always positive, kind and quick of wit, with character we could all aspire to. I count myself lucky having known him. Hope to see him again some day.


Posted 11/12/01 by Chris
Troy was one of my best friends. Someone I talked to at least once a week if not more. Even living far away I could expect a heckling phone call or I could deliver one, he was a great friend. He was the "go to" guy, any weekend I could call him up and he was ready to do whatever...shoot pool, go to a bar, movie, bowling, whatever...I miss him everyday. Almost everytime I tell someone a story about something I think is funny it starts out "Troy and I were..." I miss you and I'll be thinking of you forever.


Posted 09/25/01 by Denise
As so many people have already said, Troy's witty smile, laughter, and pure love for life will be greatly missed. I have great memories of Troy, all of which are forever etched in my mind so vividly. I didn't see Troy as much as a lot of people after high school, but when we did cross paths our conversations continued as if we had seen each other daily. I was fortunate to have Troy not only touch my life, but also my brother's and his family. I look forward to the paddle coming up to celebrate Troy. Not a single day goes by in the water without Troy popping in up in my mind. I know that he is out there, in the water, watching over all of us, his friends. I see him in the dolphins that pass me by in the water. Troy will always be loved and cherished. When things get tough, I think of Troy and how he approached life. The way he lived life is the way it is meant to be lived. No regrets, only timeless memories of the people we've known and loved. And Troy, you were loved by many.


Posted 09/20/01 by Jeremy Battin
I didn't get to know troy as well as I would have liked to, but he did leave a lasting impact on me. He was extremely kind and giving. He was the first person to teach me to surf and I will always remember this. May you rest in peace Troy.


Posted 09/20/01 by Glenda
Hi, I just came to this site to check out some surf stuff, but for some reason your tribute pulled me into looking at the posted words of Troy's friends. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm sure that Troy's listening. I wish I could've known him from all the wonderful things you all have said about him. It would've been a real privilage and honor to have met a person who is humble, honest, funny, and all the other things you all have said. Please believe me when I say that I'll be praying for you and for Troy. Thanks for the wonderful site, also.


Posted 09/13/01 by Darcy
I miss Troy. I think about his little smiling face often and feel angry and shortchanged that I won't see it again here on earth. We all agree that Troy was one of the most amazing, gentle, kind, funny, warm, caring...the list is endless...people we all knew. As the paddle out approaches, it is with much regret that I can't attend. However, I will be at sea when you are all out there and I will take the time on Saturday to stand on the ship and celebrate Troy's life with you. Thank you Troy, for all the years of laughter and smiles, I will miss that the most. love always, Darcy


Posted 09/11/01 by David Rush
Troy made me smile every time I was around him. Even during the quiet moments or long gaps in conversation, it was always comfortable and natural to be around him. I feel extremely happy and fortunate to have known Troy. He was one of the good ones.


Posted 08/27/01 by Rachel
What else can I say except that this world has lost a very valuable gift...Troy. I have known Troy for quite awhile, Jr. High, High School. He was the little babe surfer we all talked about. There is not one person I know that lived their life like Troy did. Full of great spirit. I don't ever remember him being down. He was soo much fun to be around, whether it be hanging at home, going out or just dancing to lounge music. Troy I miss you ever so dearly and look forward to the day that I will see you again. Always loving you...


Posted 08/07/01 by Todd Miller
I just found out today that Troy had passed....and it really hit me hard. I met Troy when he sanded boards for Waterman's Guild. He was a really kind and soft spoken guy. I got to know him faster than I normally would your average guy because he had the power to say when my board would be finished. I was your typical little selfish punk and I know I bothered Troy on more than one occasion, however, he never showed it and I knew at that point that I was looking at someone who is really special.

Troy and myself surfed NB on numerous occasions and I will have memories that will last a lifetime. I have read all of the tributes to Troy and I can honestly say that he was one of the most humble cool guys I have ever met.

I LOVE YOU TROY AND HOPE TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY!!!

Surprisingly then, Troy's passing has left an undeniable mark on my own life. I was reminded of his ease and peacefulness, and how he seemed so comfortable with himself. And as I spoke to other friends of his and have read the tributes to his life my sense of loss has inexorably grown. Troy's passing has profoundly forced me to assess my own life and to valiantly strive to better myself and as he has, leave a positive impression on those I have met.

Through Troy I am reminded that character is more important than personality, that heart is more important than mind, and that soul is more important than body. I am reminded that the people we choose to be are not only watched by our Lord, but by our friends, and family, and acquaintences. I can only hope that I learn to touch people's hearts as Troy has done.

I was not a good friend of Troy's, but I wish that I had been.

I thank Troy so much for coming into my life and showing me that there is nothing that should stop me from being a fulfilled person. Whenever you get into a tough spot in your life and you think there is no way out, ask yourself this question, WHAT WOULD TROY DO? Troy I love you and look forward to the day when we can surf with not a care in the world. Love Ren

When he became an adult, he was a constant inspiration to me. He didn't bitch and moan about anything (I would have!) and was always ready to laugh and joke. He didn't even seem to mind that I was so much older than him. My wife Gail loved to see his little smile when we would come over and Linda had him doing something he really didn't want to do, but he'd do it anyway. His art work is incredible and I at least have a little bit of it.

Troy was with us for a long time, but I don't think eternity with us would be long enough. What a great man he was. We are all truly better because he was here and he will be missed.