Avis de décès

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Eugene “Gene” Kaná:tase Montour, surrounded by his family and friends at the Royal Victoria Hospital, on December 20, 2023 at the age of sixty-seven years. He is survived by his loving wife Lauren Paul Montour, his sisters Fran (Dougie) and Laurie, cherished nieces Bethany (Roiahtate) and Adrianna, and best friend Louis Stacey. He is predeceased by his parents, the late Matty A. Montour, and the late Margie Regis Montour.

Gene (Sergeant First Class, Ret.) served honorably in the United States Army as a combat engineer for twenty-two years. He attended the US Army Jungle School in Panama, where he earned his Jungle Expert patch. While stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky with the 101^st Airborne Division, he earned his Air Assault Wings. He took part in Operation Desert Storm, during which he earned a Bronze Star for his service. Gene served at many duty stations worldwide, including Hanau and Wildflecken, Germany, South Korea, and several US Army posts in the United States.

Upon retiring from the US Army in 1996, Gene returned to his hometown of Kahnawà:ke. There, Gene began a second career as an Employment Counselor at Tewatohnhi’saktha, Kahnawà:ke’s Economic Development Commission. During his eighteen year tenure at Tewatohnhi’saktha, he assisted many Kahnawakehró:non with accessing training and employment in their chosen field. Colleagues and clients alike will fondly remember his listening ear, his laugh, and his leadership.

As an active member of the Mohawk Legion Branch 219, he held the post of President for five years, from 2007-2011. He also held the position of District Commander of District 13, Chateauguay Valley Royal Canadian Legion. He was the first and only Kahnawà:ke Mohawk to be elected to the position of Vice President of Quebec Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. He will be remembered and missed by his Legion comrades.

Gene will be reunited with Okwaho the First and Okwaho the Second, the two beloved wolf dogs he shared with his wife, Lauren.

The family wishes to thank the team of medical professionals at the Royal Victoria Hospital, especially the Intensive Care Unit, who cared for Gene and his family with compassion and respect. The family is also grateful to the Kahnawà:ke Ambulance Team for their service to Gene.

The family is receiving relatives and friends beginning on December 26^th, from 11:00 am at the Mohawk Legion Branch 219 in Kahnawà:ke. The funeral will be held at the St. Francis Xavier Mission in Kahnawà:ke, on December 28^th at 11:00 am; burial to follow at the Kateri Cemetery. Funeral direction by Poissant and Deer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tetewatatia’takéhnhahs Purple Ribbon Walk.