I am so happy to see that people have not forgotten Monte. When I heard that he had passed I tried to find out about a service for him in the paper. I am upset that our employer never acknowledged his passing. Monte and I worked together for a number of years. I would come in to relieve him and he would stay and tell me stories about his days in the city, his family, religion, politics, and everything! The man knew everything and I loved him for it. One night he stayed with me at work and we talked until 7 in the morning. There are very few people in the world who engage the world head on and Monte was one of them. He lived life on his own terms and ended it on his own terms. I regret it, but I respect him for it.

The last time I saw Monte he was on his way to perform at our company's office. He was obviously in a lot of pain. Yet still, he loved his music and the people he cared about so much to be there.

He lived every day. How many of us can say that!