BILL MONTGOMERY
"STORIES FROM SANTA ROSA’S HISTORIC CEMETERY"
Santa Rosa’s history is represented by those citizens who have been laid to rest in the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery on Franklin Ave. over the past 150 years. Here we find the early pioneers who arrived by oxcart, covered wagon and sailing ship; those who fought in the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish American War, and the wars of the 20th century; those who sought gold, or a new country of freedom; those who suffered through epidemics, recessions and all kinds of turmoil; those who led their community and those who built Sonoma County. The stories of some of those people will be told in a visual tour through the Cemetery, and through views of what remains of their periods in our town.
Bill Montgomery originated in Pennsylvania, but arrived in California after marrying a California woman while both served in the Air Force. He has a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and over 
34 years experience in landscape design and construction and park management and administration.
He served as Deputy Director of Parks for the City of Santa Rosa for 13 years, and became involved in local history and cemetery interpretation when, upon assuming his Santa Rosa job, he discovered he was in charge of a very deteriorated historic cemetery. In retirement, he continues his City service as a tour guide and Cemetery coordinator, and is a tour guide/escort for other tour groups.