Raul Anthony (Tony) Montoya III

In Loving Memory – Raul Anthony Montoya III

Raul Anthony Montoya III, known to his family and friends as Leecho or Tony, was born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Mission, Oregon, on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.  He spent some of his childhood in Springfield, OR, where his mother, Audrey, was a dedicated nurse. Tragically, she passed away when Tony was just 16 years old. Following her passing, Tony went to live with his grandmother, Mary Hines, back home on the reservation.

Tony’s life was marked by a series of adventures and hard work. He moved to Alaska, where he crewed on an Alaska crabbing boat. Later, he worked at a lumber mill in Columbia Falls, Montana, where he met his first wife. Lois, and raised his sons, Sonny and Matthew. His journey then took him to Portland, where he worked at a boat shop with his two brothers, Gary and Clayton. Eventually, Tony returned to Pendleton to help build the original Wildhorse Gaming Resort. Later in life, he remarried Jessica and helped to raise Rosa and Lucus. He worked for the CTUIR Fisheries Department as a lamprey technician until retirement, where the crew became his extended family.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Raul Montoya and Audrey Blackhawk, his brother Clayton Eastwood, and his sister Tina Montoya McKinster. He is survived by his wife, Jessica Montoya, his siblings Gary Blackhawk, Glavis Wagner, and Maria Montoya, his children Sonny Montoya, Matthew Montoya, Rosa Arellanes, and Lucas Arellanes, and his grandchildren Amiya Montoya, Lucy Montoya, Moisha Wolfe-Esquiro, Sadiyah McKelvey, Gianni Montoya, Ona Ohlig, and Amaysha Coman. Tony strived to be a father to any youngster that needed.

Tony's legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The Dressing and Viewing will be held on Tuesday July 31, 2025 at 2PM at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton. Washat will be held on Thurdsay July 31, 2025 at 7PM at the Mission Longhouse. The Final 7 will be Friday August 1, 2025 at 7AM at the Mission Longhouse followed by burial at Homly Cemetery.