Mr. (Thomas) Scott Montague, 50, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, died 0730h Saturday, October 9th, 2021.

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Scott was born in Winnipeg, on the first day of spring - March 20th - in 1971. He grew up in the Sturgeon Creek neighbourhood of St. James, Winnipeg, and along with his two sisters, was raised by their mother.

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In childhood, Scott spent happy times with many cousins in Winnipeg, at his aunt and uncle’s cottage in Reddit, Ontario and at their home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as well as at his aunt/godmother’s home in Fannystelle, Manitoba.

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He was educated at the neighbourhood schools of Arthur Oliver Elementary, Ness Junior High, and Sturgeon Creek Regional Secondary (graduating class - 1989).

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Scott’s post-secondary education choice was pre-med studies, Faculty of Sciences, University of Manitoba. He changed his educational direction and goals after 3 years of university, entering Radio Broadcasting at Robertson Career College. Scott graduated with Honours and as Class Valedictorian in 1994. He completed a 6-week internship at radio station CFSL Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and found that copywriting was “most inspiring”.

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During high school and for shortly after - he worked at Petro-Canada and at Big Sky Tempo Truck Stop (Headingley, Manitoba).

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In 1994, Scott secured employment at 1120 CJRL AM, Kenora, Ontario, as a creative writer. He remained there for about 9 years. He delighted living in his rooftop suite, beside a dock, on the lake, in the middle of town. During Scott’s time in Kenora, he made a lot of friends! He enjoyed nights out on the town, entertaining in his small rooftop suite, cooking for friends after a swim in the lake. There were many fun times had during work, and workplace events, and after hours around town. He enjoyed the environment of working in radio, the friends he made, the experiences he had. He told stories of his time there with happiness, and awe - of close encounters with bears and other wildlife right in town.

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While in Kenora, Scott was involved and active with the Kenora Kinsmen. He joined the TryLight Theatre Company and fit in well as part of the stage crew throughout many Kenora-area presentations. He spoke with appreciation of his time with both the Kinsmen and Trylight.

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In 2003 Scott returned to reside in Winnipeg. He worked for IPI (International Paper Industries), in recycling, and administrative tasks, for about 4 years, while – again – making many friendships.

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Early in 2007, Scott secured employment at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (I.N.A.C.), beginning his career with the Federal Government of Canada. He worked at INAC for a bit more than a decade. He wore a great many hats during his time there. Scott was well-organized, capable and well-liked by those he worked with and with those he encountered throughout his tasks and traveling.

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An opportunity in 2017 led Scott to employment with an alternate federal agency – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. He really liked the new responsibilities and learning, the new faces and friendships. Scott was proud, yet humbled, by the nomination by his peers and management, and receipt of the Canada 150 Award. This award acknowledged his “behind the scenes” contribution to “make things happen.” He spent the remainder of his career with this agency and team.

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In autumn 2007, Scott met “his girl” Dianne. After many dates and heartfelt talks, they moved in together. Scott, sharing in the certainty of their love and compatibility – proposed to Dianne on December 1st, 2009. She said yes, and they were married on October 16th, 2010. * To note: Dianne was not the first woman Scott proposed to. His boisterous proposal during a Sass Jordan concert received only a smile from Sass, but no commitment.

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Scott and his wife honeymooned on the Canadian East Coast. They visited the small town of Montague, Prince Edward Island. He saw tall ships (of which he had a love for) in the Halifax harbour. The Cabot Trail and many other sites were enjoyed over their 10-day trip.

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A year after marrying, Scott and his wife purchased their first home. Within two months of that, they added to their new family unit with the adoption of two dogs, Milo and Spot. About a year and a half later, they further expanded their family with the addition of a third dog adoptee – Spider. Scott supported animal welfare organizations, stating that their family home would never be without dogs.

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Scott enjoyed being a local tourist, visiting many sites during day trips around the province with his wife and dogs. Festivals, music and foods were great outings enjoyed together. In summer 2020 he purchased an e-bike. Scott explored many trails throughout the city while on his bike. He accessorized and customized it and was quite proud of how good it looked.

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Scott was a bit of a foodie, and enjoyed trying new food trucks, restaurants, and local foods. Scott had some favourites: Mexican foods, mint chocolate, milk and stacks of cookies. All-beef bologna was also a comfort food favourite, a thick slice from the deli as a breakfast steak was a treat. Gleefully happy, his first meal on their honeymoon was bologna steak and mashed potatoes at a family-owned diner in New Brunswick.

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Scott and Dianne enjoyed hosting many barbecues and gatherings in their family home. His homemade burgers were raved about by all!! He created a recipe for Caesar salad, which was requested for numerous dinners by many different family members!!

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Scott enjoyed having his own kitchen in which to experiment with recipes. He really loved using the crockpot, air fryer, and Instant Pot. He owned a smoker and made good use of it. He made jerkies of chicken, beef, and pork on the food dehydrator. All were delicious and he was quite proud of his creations!

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Scott is survived by his loving, devoted wife Dianne Montague; mother Sandra Montague; stepmother Lorraine Montague and father Raymond Montague; parents-in-law Marian and Maurice Saint-Cyr; siblings and siblings-in-law: Joy Neufeld, Tracey Montague, Fred Stark, Alexandra and Colin Froese, Cheryl and Robert Crowley, Sandra and Chris Saint-Cyr. Scott is also survived by a dozen nieces and nephews, their partners/spouses, a great-niece, and a great-nephew. Scott was pre-deceased by all his grandparents, and his brother-in-law Andy Neufeld.

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Scott will be remembered well by the many relatives, friends, and acquaintances that knew him. He was an honest, kind, sweet, caring, and loving man. He was sentimental, romantic, and playful. Scott loved entertaining guests, but also loved the quiet times at home with his wife and dogs. Scott was tech-savvy, and capable of mastering whatever he took on. His wit, humour, and comedic timing was the source of many lighthearted laughs for all involved. Scott was a good sport and possessed a willingness to try. He was fair-minded, had integrity, was considerate, and was a good tipper!

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Many heartfelt thanks to each of the many medical professionals Scott received care from over the nearly 3 years of coping with cancer:

Dr. Harlos and staff Kaitlyn, Marisa, Mary Rose, Stephanie; Dr. Chowdhury and staff Robert, Maricel; Dr. Kidane and staff; Dr. Rafikov; Dr. Karvelas; Dr. Jamieson; Dr. Skakum; Dr. Darnbrough; Dr. Beiko and staff Eleanor, Leslie, and Olive; Dr. Lyubetska; Dr. Friesen and Dr. Aronson; Dr. Riel and Dr. Hiebert; palliative nurses and health care aides at H.S.C. emergency department and on GH5 – Cathleen, Cesar, Shem, Sukdeep, Tina; Grace Hospital emergency department staff; numerous Cancercare Manitoba staff and volunteers. Apologies to any whose names I have forgotten to mention here. Please know that we appreciated the fantastic care received from each of you.

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Many thanks to the doctors, technicians, nurses, health care aides and associate staff at hospitals: Concordia, Misericordia, Health Sciences Centre, Grace, and Victoria.

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A big thanks to Michael Scheiffer, staff, and volunteers at the Never Alone Foundation, for their continuous support, and the gift of Blue Bomber tickets to enjoy a date night out together!! It was a memorable evening.

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Thank you to Shane Neufeld and staff at Ethical Death Care. The compassion, guidance and assistance was invaluable and very much appreciated.

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Thanks goes out to each of you that supported Scott throughout his illness. Thanks to each of you that visited, checked in on, sent a special card/gift for him, messaged, texted, called, played online games with, and made him feel that he mattered and was loved.

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Scott was not fond of having a service or funeral. He stated, for those that knew him, – “to remember me over a drink or their own barbecue.” “Simply raise a glass to me and say a few kind words.”

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Scott was cremated. In respect of his wishes, there was no viewing, no service, nor funeral.

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Comments, memories, stories, photos – are welcomed here. With each memory of Scott you share, you’re introducing us to the Scott you knew - the unique relationship that existed only between you and him.  Please share with us.