The School of Kinesiology is saddened by the passing of alumnus, Harold Montgomery Engelson, BPE 1962 and three-time Thunderbirds Big Block winner in gymnastics. Monte had a long career as a highly regarded PE teacher at both elementary and secondary school levels.
Monte joined the Freemason Malahat Lodge in 1985, where he worked on community projects with lasting impacts. He was an active member, rising to the position of President in 2005, and was later appointed a Grand Steward. Monte also became active in clowning in the Cowichan Valley, which was of great enjoyment to him and to others. He later became the technology coordinator for the Cowichan School District on Vancouver Island. He wrote and published two memoirs documenting his family’s Swedish roots in BC, ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Letters to Mother’.
Monte passed away on April 18, 2021 in Campbell River, BC. The UBC School of Kinesiology sends its condolences to the Engelson family. He will be missed by his friends and the alumni community.