Juan Manuel Montoya

1938-2015

Dr. Juan Manuel Montoya passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, Juan Manuel dedicated his life to his family and his calling as a physician. Juan Manuel was an only child born near Medellin, Colombia where he studied medicine at the Universidad de Antioquia and met and married the love of his life Amparo (Zuluaga) in 1965. He is survived by his wife and three children, Juan Diego, Ana Cecilia, and Alfredo, five grandchildren - Ethan, Oliver, Scarlett, Gabriel, and Emerson, daughter in law, Laura (LaGrone) Montoya, and a large extended family.

Upon completing his medical training in Colombia, he culminated his studies as an anesthesiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. A dedicated and passionate physician, he worked tirelessly for his patients, honing his craft at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena, Texas for over thirty years. His love for medicine was both a vocation and a passion which he applied to helping countless patients throughout his life’s work. He had an insatiable curiosity which he fed with constant reading and lifelong learning. He also found joy in piloting small aircraft, had a keen intellect for all kinds of trivia, and mostly, enjoyed spending time with those he loved.

Juan Manuel and Amparo returned in 2007 to Medellin, Colombia where they enjoyed retirement. They spent time with family, traveling around the world, and visiting their children and grandchildren in Austin and Denver.

Juan Manuel never knew a stranger. His authentically humble, generous, and affectionate nature exuded warmth to everyone. Whether it was a spontaneous conversation with a stranger or a family gathering with those closest to him, his contagious laughter, love for family, and charismatic spirit made everyone feel special. He will be missed by all especially his lifelong friends and family in Houston and Medellin. A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held on Friday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, Texas, 77062. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the charity of your choice.