Christopher Anthony Montgomery, lovingly known as Critter, a nickname bestowed by his father, left this earth on February 19, 2025. Chris was born on March 16, 1963, to parents Bob and Jean Montgomery. After moving many times in the military, Norman, Oklahoma became home to Chris' large Catholic family. Their special home on the corner of Boyd and Lahoma became a haven for adventure, get-togethers and a lot of mischievery. The household was electrically magnetic. His closest friends growing up became accepted members of the household who still consider 550 S Lahoma to be their forever home and their place of acceptance.

A 1981 graduate of Norman High, he also completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Oklahoma. In 1995, Chris moved to Austin, Texas and spent the last ten years of his Environmental Health & Safety career as an Industrial Hygienist for CFAN, where he made a profound impact on all those who were lucky enough to work by his side. While Austin became home, he always wore his crimson and cream amongst a sea of burnt orange. His pride for his team was almost as strong as his pride for his family, who he raised in Austin. The acceptance he was shown by his parents, brothers, and sisters translated to the greatest gift he gave his daughters, the total acceptance of them and the people they love.

A true introvert at heart, amongst his family and those he adored, he transformed into the life of the party. Any room he walked into was lit up like a wildfire with laughs, dances and joy. Chris was often self-deprecating to create a laugh, and there was no way to spend time with him without lifting your spirits to the point that your belly hurts.

Perhaps his greatest talent was his gift of words. If you were one of the lucky ones, you received an occasional poem that couldn't be more witty, spot-on, inspiring, loving, creative and funny. The words he preciously took the time to compose will forever be gifts we enjoy.

Chris was a lover of nature and had a profound respect for the trees, animals and the spirits that surrounded him. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty and always willing to lend a hand to those in his community. From reinforcing a neighborhood dam to building a Celtic cross for his parents' grave, Chris spent his free time making this world a better, safer, and more peaceful place.

As Chris was a devout protector of the earth, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to www.NRDC.org/honor, a non-profit that uses science, policy, law and people to confront the climate crisis, protect the public, and safeguard nature, all the themes that were most important to Chris.

Chris is survived by his incredibly devoted wife Belynda, his beautiful daughters, Sarah and Grace, brothers, Pat (Sandy), Mike (Melinda), and Tom (Roberta), and sisters, Catie (Jim Barton), Liz (John Klawitter), and Denise (Steve Johnson). He was the always funny, never dull Uncle to Andrea and Brian, Tyler and Sally, Renee and Travis, Gentry and Allie, and Jack and Jeanie, as well as several great nieces and nephews who adored him more than he will ever know.

Chris' Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on March 16 at Pecan Springs Ranch in Austin, Texas. Funeral arrangements by Harrell Funeral Home of Austin.