Dr. Gilbert G. Montoya "Gila", "Doc" passed away with his family at his side on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his grandson Matthew Q. McClintock, parents Juan and Mercedes Montoya; four sisters: Estella Perez, Leonora Trujillo, Eliza Lovato, Cecilia Saldana, and brother Estevan Montoya.

He is survived by his wife Kay, daughters: Joyce Paulsen (Bob), Georgia Serecerez (Javier), son Roman Montoya (Ruth), stepdaughter Erin Damour (Jens), grandchildren: Allie McClintock, Kevin Williams (JJ), Marisa Montoya, Alex Montoya (Elyse), Victor Serecerez, Cassidy Gallegos, and great-grandchildren: Declan McClintock, Elliana Williams, Mattox Williams, Mariana Montoya, and Percival Montoya.

He was born on July 10, 1937, in Wagon Mound, NM. He married Cecilia Herrera August 8, 1960, in Gallup, NM and had three children, Joyce, Georgia, and Roman. He graduated from Wagon Mound High School Class of 1955. He smiled every time he remembered the 1954 Men’s NM State Basketball Championship game when the Wagon Mound Trojans took STATE.

They were down to the wire when coach Romero said, “get the ball to Gilbert”, he shot with a few seconds left to win the game. He remained close to Wagon Mound as he lived in both Albuquerque and Wagon Mound for several years. On any Labor Day weekend, you would find him in Wagon Mound helping the crew at Bean Day. He would be involved in every Bean Day event from: cleaning the beans, collecting wood and rocks, to lighting the pit. He was especially proud to be a part of the Bean Day Feast of meat, beans, and coleslaw. He enjoyed morning coffee with Sammy, Bobby, Alfred, Gilbert, Leonard, Donald, Luis, Javier and many others.

He completed his undergraduate degree in Education from New Mexico Highlands University, a Master’s in Counseling and Doctoral degree in Special Education from The University of New Mexico (UNM). He worked as an educator and counselor at various schools and retired from UNM with the College Enrichment Program (CEP). His time recruiting and counseling students at CEP was the foundation of who he was. He enjoyed helping young high school graduates throughout New Mexico earn degrees and begin their successful careers. He counseled many young adults about the importance of education, becoming an adult, and understanding responsibility. After retirement he became a diagnostician and tested many school kids throughout Northern New Mexico.

The family will be celebrating Gilbert’s life on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 am at City on a Hill Church 3715 Silver Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. A reception will follow. Gilbert will be laid to rest at the Santa Clara Cemetery in Wagon Mound, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Matthew McClintock Foundation (www.matthewqmcclintock.com)