January 3, 1955 – May 13, 2025   

Kelly Shane Montalban, 70, passed away suddenly on May 13, 2025, due to heart complications. 

Born on January 3, 1955, Kelly Shane shared kindness and a passion to live life to the fullest. He had an infectious positivity that lit up any room, and a special way to make everybody laugh. When he was a boy, he was an avid reader and read an entire set of encyclopedias during the summer breaks in elementary school. At age 11 he started his first business with his brother, calling it P&S Bird Service, where they would tag and process hunted birds; they even had business cards! 

Kelly Shane spent his younger years adventuring with his siblings, bouncing between Montana and Colorado enjoying fly fishing, swimming in lakes, skiing in the mountains and getting his taste for what life has to offer. In high school he played Thomas Jefferson in the musical “1776” during Montana’s bicentennial celebration; his solo was featured on the official recording of the show. 

After he graduated, Kelly Shane and a friend opened their first restaurant called “The Rex”. It was the hot spot 50 years ago and is still popular today; his famous family dish “shrimp salad in papaya” was featured in the Bon Appetit magazine. Realizing the world had so much to offer, Kelly Shane decided it was time to travel, starting with the wilds of America, which in turn, took his adventurous spirit up to Canada. Magical years were spent in the Village of Lions Bay, B.C., watching the sunsets over the ocean, raising his children with their mother, tending to his garden of wonder. He was famous for hosting the best Super Bowl parties, sharing his love for cooking; from gourmet fondues to five-star breakfasts, and of course: flying fishing, swimming in the ocean, and skiing the mountains of Beautiful British Columbia. 

Kelly Shane was an accomplished businessman and loved traveling the world, whether for business or with his beloved family. Exploring the wonders and different cultures: dancing, enjoying art, food, music, cinema and history were some of his many passions. Towards the end of his life, he co-hosted a weekly radio show that broadcast throughout southwest Montana. His listeners were amazed at his extensive knowledge in business, American history and government. 

Kelly Shane found his happy place in a wonderful abode in Kamloops. He wandered along Peterson Creek, gazed at the mountains and enjoyed the nature that surrounded him. He found peace there spending as much time as he could with his daughters, granddaughters, family and friends, which brought him the most joy in the world. Kelly Shane is survived by his adoring daughters Stephanie Montalban (Avery O’Neill) and Cora Montalban (Chris Hillier), grandchildren; Aria and Isabelle O’Neill; brother Patrick Montalban; sisters Tamara Hall and Vallia Young. 

Kelly Shane’s zest for life, his love, his passion and his generosity will be deeply missed. “Be Happy, Be Safe” – Kelly Shane Montalban 

A celebration of life will be held at Glenfair, his little oasis, where he would have loved us to gather and remember him. 

Please join us Saturday, May 31 at 3:00 p.m. Location address: Glenfair, Unit B4, 1100-Glenfair Dr., Kamloops (For location; select “Glenfair” when using Google maps) 

Please RSVP to Stephanie O’Neill (call or text 250-572-7413). 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Montalban family.

• Date : 2025-05-13
• Location : Kamloops