Jonathan Zachary Montoya

Jonathan Zachary Montoya, 28 , a resident of Los Alamos, left this world far too early on Friday, June 29, 2018. Zach was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Dennis and Maria Montoya and John and Vera Mench (GiGi and Poppy); aunt, Stella Sandoval; uncles, Robert and Dennis Montoya; cousins, Robby and Raymond Montoya and close friends, Nick Naranjo and Ricky Gonzales. Zach is the beloved son of Jennifer Montoya-Aylmer and step-son of Lee Aylmer of White Rock. Zach’s struggles were real and to pretend otherwise would be disservice to his memory and all who loved him. He was a tender and kind-hearted young man who was devoted to his family and cherished each of them including Hagen, his much-loved Basset Hound. He will be remembered as having a very affectionate sense of humor. If Zach was teasing you, you knew you were loved. As a boy, he loved camping with his family and friends at Heron and El Vado Lakes. As he grew, he learned the game of golf by playing with his grandpa and was something of a natural. Zach skateboarded and rode bikes with his friends throughout his teen years. As an adult, he went skydiving in Hawaii and parasailing in Mexico. He loved going to concerts, watching movies and sitting around a campfire laughing and telling stories. Most recently, Zach worked at La Cocina Restaurant in Española as a waiter. His coworkers and many customers will miss his warm smile and sincere desire to help. You see, serving others was what brought him joy. Having worked at the Sabastian Resort in Vail, Colorado, he hoped to move back to Colorado one day. Zach would understand tears and periods of grief, but he would want you to enjoy a scoop or two of coffee ice cream in his memory. He would ask you to commit an act of kindness every day and strongly encourage you find joy in your present circumstances. He will be so very missed by all who knew him. Zach leaves behind his sister, Taylor Pomeroy; step-brothers, Tyler and Isaiah Aylmer; grandparents, John and JoAnn Montoya; uncle, Jeff Montoya (Kristina) and much extended family. A service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at New Beginnings Church in Los Alamos. A memorial contribution in honor of Zach Montoya may be made  to Teen Challenge of New Mexico. The family of Jonathan Zachary Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.