Harold Montaine

Hal A. (Dennis) Montaine
Dennis has gone on to the great art project in Heaven. Born September 21, 1927 in Stamford, CT, his life was centered in art and the joy he brought to others through this medium. Living in Transylvania County gave him the opportunities to share his talent each year through his Christmas cards featuring a bear and white squirrel enjoying the beauty of the area. He prepared his cards in black and white so that children would have the opportunity to pursue their artistic side by coloring the Christmas cards. He did for the enjoyment of others and, thanks to the Transylvania Times, many people cherished Christmas just a little bit more once his card appeared in the paper. Dennis always believed art in children needed to be encouraged as it is a window to imagination.
Dennis was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War based wit the First Cavalry Division, where he first served on the front lines until his artistic skills were noted and he was tasked with creating maps. He later attended three art schools in New York and Connecticut and was an illustrator for a newspaper in Stamford, Connecticut. After relocating to Los Angeles, he was able to use his art skills with the Federal Reserve Bank, creating drawings and illustrations as needed for brochures and various tasks.

During the early years of their marriage, Dennis and his wife, Janice, traveled widely, visiting England, Wales, Scotland, Australia, France, Belgium, Germany and other places of interest. In 1986, Dennis, Janice, and two large dogs set out from Van Nuys, California to find peace and quiet, where they could pursue life at a slower pace. Santa Monica, California held special memories for them, as this was where they returned from their honeymoon. Dennis had enjoyed a 1955 Thunderbird, and their honeymoon was spent running around in a 1963 Corvette, later moving on to a 1972 Corvette. Leaving California they left behind the joy of classic automobiles, but not their thrill of world travel, traveling once again to London. They loved flying, and flew in the Goodyear blimp, helicopters in each city they went to, glider flying and airplanes large and small; anything that gave them a window to the world. A recent flight in Sky Dancer was the highlight at a difficult time and he said as he flew above the clouds, "It was like half way to heaven…" After relocating to Transylvania County, Dennis felt right at home and the beauty of nature on See Off Mountain inspired him for 28 years, as have the wonderful people he has had the opportunity to meet. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Milczarski, his father, Gunnar Montaine, andhis brothers Gunnard Montaine and Richard Montaine. He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Janice; his sister-in-law, Mary Alice, of Connecticut; Brother Lars and wife Sharon of California and brother-in-law Paul Lucy of Texas.

Thank you to all who enriched his life and his passing, especially G. Ruffin Benton III MD, the staff of Stifel Brokerage, Transylvania Hospice and many friends.
He will be deeply missed by those who knew his love, generosity, talent and marvelous sense of humor.

Memorial Services for Hal Montaine will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Military Rites will be conducted by the Honor Guard for Veterans of Transylvania County.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite local charity.

To leave a condolence for the Walker family, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com .

Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Services are caring for the family.