The Montgomery family sends our sincerest condolences.
Mr. Ron Fontenot has left a lasting generational impact not only on the members of our family but also on the community in which we flourish. Always emphasizing education, peer support, and the continued development of black youth, Mr. Fontenot opened our eyes to a world of Black excellence that was previously just an idea to many.
We first met Mr. Ron Fontenot through the JETS program of CABPES. He supported the Montgomery family’s youth for decades to come. They learned a great deal from him, encompassing STEM, public speaking skills, and general leadership. None of us could be where we are now if it were not for the care that Mr. Fontenot showed for Black youth across our city.
Mr. Fontenot allowed us the opportunity to be exposed to successful Black people in STEM. He not only inspired us through his actions and success but also provided us with many opportunities to grow within those fields. As Black youth growing up in Denver, we are not often able to interact with other Black children, and even less so with those who are interested in science and tech. Mr. Fontenot helped create a safe space for us to connect with other Black children interested in STEM.
Mr. Fontenot delivered working opportunities to plenty of young men and women of color. It felt great having a boss who was not only relatable but also understood the lifestyle of the employees. This world needs more role models and bosses who can be comfortably connected to, and Mr. Fontenot was an incredible example of this.
Through Mr. Fontenot, we were introduced to the W.O.W. program, where we cultivated connections between Black youth and our elders. We met some of the wisest, fun-loving uncles and aunts that I may have never been introduced to had I not been in this program. These ladies and gentlemen were fountains of knowledge that allowed us to connect with our empowering history.
I want to thank God for giving us such an angel, Ron Fontenot. I thank his wife for sharing him with us. He has given so much to our family. My children have benefited so much from him. Starting with my oldest son almost twenty years ago, and my youngest son today with Silvertek. Thanks for being the “Village”. We cherish you and your memory.
To the Fontenot Family. We have all been blessed by Ron in so many ways that I am at a loss for words. I credit him for inspiring and helping all five of our children to seek greatness in the world, and even inspire the people around them to be inspired by him. Our family spent a large part of this Father’s Day reminiscing about him with deep appreciation and a fondness that only we who know him can understand. We are realizing the gift to this world that he was and will continue to be, as his legacy lives in all of us. May God be pleased…
Ron Fontenot’s legacy lives on as we carry forward his mission, his dream, and his drive that he instilled in us with each step we take.
Mr. Fontenot’s impact does not end with his direct interactions, but it funnels multi-generational pipelines, enlightening young men and women who’ve never met him.
Mr. Fontenot was such a kind, genuine and gentle, yet strong being. He has impacted our family from top to bottom. Our parents had an opportunity to interact with such a pillar in the community. The youth had the opportunity to learn lifelong skills and took those skills into the community to pass along those teachings.
With Love and Admiration,
Mr. Manzer M. Montgomery (Father)
Mrs. Cheryl Montgomery (Mother)
Ms. Akasha Montgomery-White (Daughter)
Ms. Maryam Montgomery (Daughter)
Mr. David Hawthorne (Son in-law)
Mrs. Aliyah Montgomery-Hawthorne (Daughter)
Mr. Tashan Montgomery (Son)
Mr. Manzer Rashan Montgomery (Son)
Mr. Jessiah White (Grandson)