In Memoriam – Richard G. Montgomery, Jr.

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Richard G. Montgomery, Jr., veteran maritime journalist and port public relations executive, died July 13, 2014, of natural causes in his native Portland (OR). He was 84.

After 20 years in the advertising agency and newspaper industry, and a stint as spokesperson for the Oregon Attorney General, Dick Montgomery joined the Port of Portland in 1976 as public information manager. For 19 years thereafter, he served as spokesperson for the port's marine cargo, shipyard, dredging and navigation activities. He also edited the port's Portside magazine and gave numerous speeches on behalf of the port.

Earlier in his career, he handled advertising and public relations (including two bond campaigns to raise funds for harbor improvements, including Portland's first container cranes) for the Portland Commission of Public Docks, which merged with the Port of Portland in 1971.

Dick retired from the port in 1995 and established Montgomery Marine Communications, continuing as a consultant to the port and other maritime industries. Dick wrote a weekly transportation column in the Daily Shipping News for more than a dozen years and contributed to other publications. Also in retirement, he served four years as president of the Oregon Maritime Museum, worked as a docent on sternwheeler Portland, helped raise money for the steamer's restoration and gave many talks on behalf of the museum. He was recognized as a regional maritime historian.

He is survived by his wife, Patty, and their children and grandchildren.

Richard G. Montgomery, Jr. (1930-2014) with his wife, Patty.
Photo/Aaron Ellis