“Ron Montoya was a friend for over 50 years. He was an excellent business man, a wonderful family man, and a passionate supporter of civic and community ventures. He committed his valuable time, energy and finances to support hundreds of needy causes throughout our community. It was appropriate that he received awards and recognitions for his contributions. He served as THE role model for many of us in caring for and engaging with those in need. Ron Montoya was one of a kind and I was blessed to be his friend.”
Federico Peña
“Ron was far more than a mentor to me. He was a trusted friend and a steadfast presence throughout many chapters of life. He was a dear friend to my husband for fifty years and after my husband’s passing on January 7, 2026, Ron’s kindness and wisdom meant even more.”
“As a proud Chicano leader, he opened doors and led with courage, compassion, and integrity. His legacy lives on in the community he strengthened and the lives he forever changed”
My deepest admiration for Ron and condolences to his family.
Pat Cortez
“With his passing, Ron Montoya, leaves Denver, Colorado, the country, and each of us improved, touched, better in the profound way of service to others, altruism, friendship, class, humanity, humility that few can, or will, match.”
Rudy Gonzales
“The sudden passing of our dear friend, Ron Montoya leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts and throughout our community. His unwavering dedication, compassion, leadership and commitment to serving others touched countless lives. He inspired generations to work for a stronger, more unified community. He believed in lifting people up, creating opportunities, and building bridges across various communities. He was one of the kindest, caring, individuals that I had the pleasure of knowing for several years. His legacy will be remembered because of his integrity and hope he instilled in everyone he met. Although he is no longer with us, his influence and impact will continue to guide our community and state for years to come. May his beautiful soul rest in peace”.
Patricia Barela Rivera
“Ron Montoya leaves a legacy of core values that resonate with his commitment, his wisdom, his advice and love for his community. He gave me a lot of advice when I started my own business with my sister back in the early 80s until recently, we even shared popcorn at the Bronco games that was a memory that I can laugh and smile and think about. We won’t have another meeting as we have planned on Saturday, but I will remember his joy he brought to others.”
Ramona Martinez
“I was honored and had the privilege to have known and worked with Mr. Ron Montoya. I met Mr. Montoya at one of the first meetings when the Latino Chamber of Commerce was first developed, it is now known as the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
After I had served on the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chambers of Commerce USHCC, I invited Ron to take my place on the Board. He served or over 4 years as Chairman and was instrumental in bringing the USHCC National Conference to Denver.
Ron received several awards which include the Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award, The Hispanic Chambers Lifetime Achievement Award and he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Colorado.”
George Autobee Cpt. (Ret.) USMC/USAR
“I wanted to share a little about Ron. He was an Eastsider through and through, and a steadfast supporter of Escuela Tlatelolco during some of our most difficult years.
His commitment to our community was genuine, and through that work we became friends. I will always remember his willingness to stand with us when it mattered most.
I want to share what a special place he held in our community and in my life. I hope his family knows this.”
Nita Gonzales
“I worked with Ron Montoya since the 70s. He was a great friend and mentor, and we stayed in touch all these years. Through his leadership we purchased the Peña Business Plaza. We won numerous United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the year regional awards and the national award. He was dedicated to his family and the community.”
Sharon Vigil
“Ron Montoya always had visions of a better world in everything he did. This charming and kind soul who loved God, his wife and community, lived a good life, was the ultimate humanitarian and his incredible footprint will live on forever. Vaya con Dios, Ron Montoya.”
Pauline Rivera
