Samuel David Montoya
Obituary

Samuel “Sammy” David Montoya, 34, passed  on July 4, 2025.

Born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, on January 25, 1991, Sammy was a radiant soul whose kind heart and gentle nature touched everyone he encountered. He had an extraordinary gift for making others smile with his wit, compassion, and warmth.

Sammy loved exploring the mysteries of life through astrology, alchemy, and books. He found wonder in the stars and meaning in symbols, always searching for deeper truths about the universe and our place within it. His creativity and curiosity were matched only by his generosity—he lived with “a heart full of love, hands ready to serve, and eyes lifted to the stars.”

Though he endured hardships and personal struggles, Sammy never lost his capacity to spread light. He will be remembered as a loving father,son, brother, and friend who carried an unshakable kindness and an open spirit.

Samuel’s memory will live on in the towering sequoias, where a grove is being dedicated in his honor, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Peña Frere; his sister, Shea Dawn Montoya; his grandmother, Esperanza Frere Codner; and many friends who will forever cherish his life and spirit.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Azia Janelle Montoya; his grandmother, Dolores Josefina Codner Frere; and his grandfather, Francisco Modesto Frere.

A memorial service and grove dedication will be held on October 6, 2025, beneath the Hunter’s Moon in Sequoia National Park.

Location link to the grove

“Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.”

In honor of Sammy’s love for nature and light, a grove of trees is being planted in his memory. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the growth of his living memorial can do so through the following link:

Contribute to the grove

Each $10 tree becomes part of his living legacy—renewing the earth, reaching toward the sky, and carrying Samuel’s memory forward in beauty and growth.

You walked among the stars before you knew their names,

Turning shadows into silver, pain into flame.

The universe bent gently when you spoke,

Carrying your heart in whispers of oak.

Though you left on a summer’s firework sky,

Your light remains — it cannot die.

 

* If you choose to contribute to the grove, simply click the link, open the drop-down menu, and select Samuel David Montoya. So that your gift goes to his living memorial grove.