Photos: My first photo of Troy doing his money turn in Huntington Beach, a frontside snap. He got bonus points for watching his spray on this one...something we all did back then. Next photo is of Troy at Oceanside Harbor before the north jetty was extended. The last image is a Surfplus team photo from 1987. Troy is in the upper right...with the cleanest board of course. *Click photos for full size versions.

Troy was an exceptionally gifted young artist. He was equally at home painting large wall murals or designing tshirt prints. His designs were utilized by surf companies such as Quiksilver, Billabong, OP, Waterman's Guild and Rex Surfboards as well as a variety of non-surf-related companies like Disney and Lucky Brand.

As a surfer, Troy's smooth and polished approach was a pleasure to witness. His quick frontside snap was his favorite move and he enjoyed "throwing buckets" while riding rights at his favorite wave, Lowers. We have countless memories of watching Troy from the back of the wave...throwing fan after fan after fan...all the way down the cobblestone point.

Art and surfing aside, Troy will be missed most for his friendship. Troy was the type of person that was kind to everyone—young and old alike. He was honest, loyal and had depth of character. His easy going personality attracted legions of friends, yet he made each one of us feel special.

Troy Montamble was a wonderful gift from above. We are thankful to God for the chance to have been called Troy's friends. We feel honored, blessed, and privileged to have enjoyed the past 15 years with Troy...he was truly a remarkable human being! We look forward with great anticipation to the day we will meet our friend again in heaven.

— Chris Grant & the Boardfolio.com Family

Paddle-Out Ceremony / Thoughts & Memories of Troy

On October 6, 2001, we paddled out at Blackies in Newport Beach to celebrate Troy's life and legacy. It was a beautiful afternoon to gather with friends and family and an extremely special time to honor our dear friend.

To read comments left by Troy's friends or to leave your own thoughts, click here.

Special Thoughts from Troy's Mom

June 14, 2001 Troy's life ended on this earth and he began a new life, one that he could never have imagined.

June 14, 2001 Linda's life as she knew it ended and she began a new life, one that she could never have imagined. How will she continue to live without Troy?

When two human beings are as close as possible to being one and one is ripped from your body—the pain is unbearable. There is no name for the pain that I am going through. I can only describe the pain of losing Troy is like a disease taken over my heart which there is no cure—it is terminal. Although I continue to fight this disease, I realize the person I caught this disease from is also the one who is able to keep me living. Thinking of Troy throughout the day gives me strength to keep the disease under control—it is the medicine I take many times throughout the day. My medicine is Troy's smile/smirk, his laughter, his sense of humor. Troy had more courage and strength than anyone I have known. He was generous and kind to all living things, his talent as an artist and so modest about his work (he was one of a kind). I was always so proud of Troy, he gave us all so much happiness. Troy was fearless because of his trust in life, he never complained even in his darkest hour. Troy was a happy baby, little boy and young man, his heart was bigger than life itself. There was no room in Troy's heart for hate, he was kind and sensitive to everyone's feelings and never judged anyone. Troy was gifted in so many ways. One of those gifts he had was to live every day to the fullest. His love for life was larger than anyone could imagine. Troy was able to balance work and play, which came with the common sense he had. Troy's graduation day at Long Beach State University can only be described by looking at his face that day. Troy loved surfing, it was on his mind the minute he woke up everyday. Most of Troy's happy times were with his family and friends. Each and every one was so much a part of his life and so important to Troy. I cherish every moment I had with Troy. Troy was my hero. I feel so lucky I had Troy for over 31 years. Three important words of Troy's were Life, Family and Friends, and he lived his life by those 3 words. All of us are different in some ways since June 14, 2001. Troy changed my life forever and I don't doubt he changed yours. Troy will live in our hearts and minds forever. Troy will never, ever be forgotten.

When you feel sad and think about how much you miss Troy—close your eyes like I do and you too will see Troy's beautiful face with that smile/smirk looking back at you, you too will hear Troy say—dry those tears, for I am near.

Troy, someday I will be able to hold you in my arms again.

Until then, I love and miss you with all my heart.

Mom

Boardfolio.com, the surfer's directory. Since 1998 this grassroots surf link index has grown from a list of a few dozen websites into one of the largest surfing databases on the web. Features surf photos and surf video clips of pro surfers kassia meador, kelly slater, tom curren, jennifer flanigan, sofia mulanovich, dane reynolds. Photo galleries by Chris Grant of JettyGirl Online Surf Magazine and Boardfolio.com.