Montague, Paul R.

Paul R. Montague, 64, passed away at his home in Swisher, surrounded by family and friends, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born March 18, 1947, in Santa Monica, Calif., the son of William Montague and Vivian Chase. He most enjoyed spending time with his loving wife, Cindy, whom he married on Nov. 26, 2007, in Hilo, Hawaii.

Paul began his professional career in 1968 when he moved to Portland, Ore., and was employed at Photo Art Commercial Studios for six years. In 1974, after a highly competitive process, he was accepted into an Ophthalmic Photography fellowship at Devers Eye Clinic of Good Samaritan Hospital.

In 1976, he joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa, where he continued his education in computer science. He held key positions within the department, with his most recent position being manager of research and development. Paul was instrumental in the development from film to digital imaging and was a pioneer of network programming in this field.

Paul was associated with the Ophthalmic Photographers Society for 35 years, acting as a driving force and guiding hand in the growth and evolution of the society and serving in various leadership positions. He founded Barton, Inc., the non-profit group that owns the organ at Theatre Cedar Rapids, serving as president for three decades and guiding the theatre organ restoration projects after the 2008 flood.

Paul was also an active member of the Cedar Rapids Area Theatre Organ Society, Kinnick Society and University of Iowa Presidents Club.

Paul was a very accomplished man and, most notably, he was a talented photographer who enjoyed capturing images of the works of nature. In 1998, he began photographing football games for The University of Iowa. His images have been selected for programs, magazines, newspapers, and websites. In response to the growing number of requests to see more of Paul's work, he initiated Montague Photo, LLC. His passions also included playing and restoring theatre organs, woodworking and kayaking.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy; daughters, Kimberly Moses (J.R.) of Iowa City and Kelly Ortiz of Solon; stepsons, Dale Ramsey of California and Robert Ramsey of Indiana; his father, William Montague (Nona), mother, Vivian Chase, and sister, Pamela Young, all of Oregon; and grandchildren, Anna Moses, Erin Moses, Marcus Ortiz and Chloe Ortiz.

Visitation will be held at Lensing Funeral Home, 605 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to The Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 or online at   Please include Paul's name on the memo line for your gift.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at