Robert E. "Bob" Montford, 91, of Sackets Harbor, NY, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026 at the Samaritan Medical Center.

Bob was born November 19, 1934 to the late Robert G. and Marjorie C. Montford in Montour Falls, New York. He graduated from Romulus High school, from Buffalo State Teachers college with a BA, and from NYU with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts. In May 1967 at Asbury Methodist Church, Watertown, NY, Bob married Janet Schell, daughter of the late Irvin and Eunice Schell of Evans Mills, NY

Bob's teaching career began at Indian River Central School as an art teacher. He then taught at NYU while getting his Master's degree and three years in Fairport, New York before relocating to the North Country. He taught art at JCC, filling in for Klaus Ebling's one year leave of absence, and then finished his teaching career at Sackets Harbor Central School, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Sackets Harbor Masonic Lodge and life member of NYSUT.

Artistic from boyhood, he won his first art Award at the age of eight in a Hobby Lobby contest with the prize being a dollar! At 16 he designed a home that he and his father built for the family. From then on, he was addicted to woodworking. He designed and built many kitchens, furniture, and small wood projects with his father, and spent many happy hours throughout his life in his own woodshop with Janet as his gofer! Examples of his work can be found in many homes and businesses in the area. He was responsible for the cupola, and most of the woodwork on the Sackets Harbor bandstand.

In 1971, Bob and Janet built their first house on Military Road in Sackets Harbor. He did his Master's thesis on the efficiency of round design and as a result built a round house (actually 32 four foot sides, but appearing round). In 2001 they built their second house next door to the round house.

An avid golfer, Bob with Janet and a two year partner, Addison Wardwell, bought property in 1974 near Westcott’s Beach State Park. He designed a nine hole golf course which became the Bedford Creek golf course. By 1979 Bob and Janet had expanded it to include a restaurant and bar which they owned and operated (while teaching full time) until 1985.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, his parents in-law , his sister, Patricia, his brother David, his brothers-in-law, Donald, Earl, and Lyle Schell, David Speed, and Eric Honeycutt, and his ex wife Jean Larsen.

He is survived by Janet, his wife of 59 years, two sons and a daughter: Robert C (Tori) Montford, Sackets Harbor, Douglas (Deborah) Montford, Waterloo, and Karen (Bernard) Wegman, Rock Hill, SC, four grandchildren, Robert J. and Heather Montford, Gerard Doorty, Meghan (Adam) Huet, a sister, Mary Honeycutt, Wingate, NC, Sisters in law Shirley Schell, Connie Schell, Joan Schell and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bob and Janet enjoyed traveling, especially to Cancun where they vacationed every year. They took a 6 week camping trip through the USA in 1968 staying exclusively at National and State Parks. Yearly winter vacations were spent in various Caribbean resorts.

With the onset of arthritis Bob was no longer able to play golf and even had to give up his woodworking shop, his two favorite hobbies. He then concentrated on drawing and painting. He loved drawing on napkins and placemats in restaurants, surprising many a customer and waitress with a caricature or seasonal drawing.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter.  Due to ongoing renovations calling hours will be held at our affiliate funeral home, Hart & Bruce Funeral Home 117 N Massey St., Watertown on Thursday, August 6th from 4 to 7 p.m.  

The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 7th at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Theresa.

Donations on his  may be made to Compassionate Care Foundation 228877 Belle Ridge Dexter, NY 13634 or to Caring for Cats P.O. Box 72 Three Mile Bay, NY 13693