Monte M. Strand, age 81, passed away peacefully in Kirkland, Washington on June 29, 2012 after a brief illness. Surrounded by family, Monte made his transition to the non-Physical in a most gentle manner.

Born on Mother's Day in Alliance Nebraska on May 10, 1931 to Mahlon and Bobbie (Odette) Strand, Monte was raised with his younger brother Gary, instilled with small-town values that carried him throughout his life. He cherished his family and took great pride in the quality of his work. Often a perfectionist, he would meticulously complete projects to the highest degree.

Monte was a graduate of Alliance High School and, after graduation, served in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged and returned to Alliance, NE after his military service was completed.

Monte's first marriage was to Mary C. Wetzler on August 31, 1952 in Alliance, NE. Although the marriage didn't last, the 17-year union bore six children, and a friendly reconciliation in later years allowed Mary and Monte to be friends through the end of his life. In 1978, Monte married Betty J. Morgan and found the love of his life. A wonderful and humorous partnership ensued and his joy was obvious throughout their life together, until Betty's passing in 1998.

In his early years, Monte was a brakeman for the railroad in western Nebraska (a job he loved) and then worked for the Shell Oil Company in both Oklahoma and north Texas, before a long employment of 30 years as a machinist with Boeing in the Pacific Northwest. During his time with BAC, Monte received numerous quality awards and distinctions and worked at a variety of facilities, including Everett, Auburn and Plant 2.

Monte loved aviation and received his pilot's license in 1989 and was able to enjoy flying until a heart condition grounded him. Not to be deterred from his passion, Monte and Betty were regulars at local fly-ins and aircraft organization gatherings.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary and his beloved second wife, Betty. He is survived by his first wife Mary, all six of his children, including Monte S. (Indianola, WA), Michael (Bainbridge Island, WA), Nancy (Deer Park, WA), Gunnar (Marysville, WA), Mary (Spokane, WA) and Sabrina (Kirkland, WA), 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Additionally he remained close to Betty's son and wife, Danny and Debby Morgan, along with Betty's grandson Cameron Morgan.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on September 1, 2012 at the Clise Mansion, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WA 98052-4801 Phone: (425) 865-0210.