Phillip Montgomery Sr., 77, of Lawrence died Saturday July 6, 2013 at his home. Memorial Services are pending with Warren-McElwain Mortuary of Lawrence [from the Lawrence Journal-World; full obituary at bottom]

Link to photos and eulogy from the memorial service.

Phil Montgomery was a founding member of the group and the acknowledged leader for many years. He was a regular noontime runner and in the '70s helped organize the KU faculty team in the intercollegiate faculty postal competition in which he ran everything from the 440-yard dash to the 10-mile run.

Phil ran only a few other races that we know of (records are lacking for the early years), but his 38:57 10K won the 45-49 age group in the first Maupintour Fall Classic and he ran 3:45 in the 1980 KU Relays marathon, his only one.

When he underwent spinal surgery in 1993, several of us filled a small bottle with wood chips from the base of the tree on the east side of Robinson Gym where we always gathered at noon. The plan was to take it to Phil in the hospital as a visual reminder that he would soon be meeting us under the tree at noon again. Somehow we never got it to him, and it sits on the bookcase near my desk, 20 years later. Perhaps we can use it for a traveling trophy in his name.

Phil never ran again after his surgery, but he remained very active with the group through our last major reunion in 2003, which he organized. For 30 years, Phil was the face of the MadDogs.

--Dick Lipsey<

From Grover Everett:

Phil is indeed deserving of the many kind tributes sent by MadDogs from all parts of the country. We will all miss a kind and gentle friend and leader.

I had been running alone during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when I became aware of a group of math faculty running at the same time of day and using the faculty locker room at Robinson. Phil was their natural leader, and I believe it was he who asked me to join them. None of us then realized how our small running group would evolve into the large and long-lived support group it has become. Phil was sort of a father figure, our leader and “decider.” It was Phil who would decide where the group would run each day and announce it after we had gathered on the east side of Robinson. The group would follow Phil south along the field to 18th street, then we usually turned east. The group stayed together for at least the first mile or so, then gradually broke into smaller groups that wanted shorter, slower, or faster runs. Phil always led the main group. We had some very interesting political, philosophical, and intellectual conversations during those noonday runs! Phil and I kept in touch only occasionally over the years after he became incapacitated.

I will never forget a visit a couple of years ago. I was pushing Phil in his wheelchair down the street with another friend when the small front wheel of his chair caught in a rut. The wheelchair tipped over, dumping Phil onto the street! I felt terrible and expected angry words for my carelessness! However, Phil was very calm and reassured me he was not hurt, I was forgiven, and that everything was OK. That’s the kind of guy he was!

From Dee Boeck:

I have many memories of Phil.  One not related to running is that I used to be a regular blood donor and at the donation place, Phil's name was up on the wall as one of the top Lawrence donors. Phil was a well-known figure riding to campus on his moped when they were a rarity.

I also remember giving Phil a ride to several race organizing meetings in the mid-80's as he lived in our neighborhood - the Maupintour Run out at their beautiful headquarters at 15th & Kasold and the Sunflower State games run at the old Tanger Outlet Mall in north Lawrence.  I also worked several KU outdoor and indoor track meets with Phil as the head timer.  I also remember a Mad Dogs banquet at the old North Lawrence Steakhouse when Phil was making progress in his rehab and he was able to stand at the lectern - it was a thrill to see that. Phil and I also used to sort through the high school applications for the Lawrence Track Club scholarships - I recall Phil being a pretty strict critic of any perceived shortcoming on those apps!

My thoughts and sympathy to Nancy and family.

From Jim Orr:

Phil's passing was not unexpected but it does close, perhaps, the most important chapter in the history of the MadDogs. Many of the earlier comments echo my feelings. When I initially came to KU, I ran with Tom Thomas, a faculty member in HSES (HPER at that time). Phil always encouraged us to run with the MadDogs but Tom and I had enjoyed running together and resisted Phil's invitation to run with the larger group. In the mid 1980's Tom left KU for a faculty position at Missouri, his alma mater. Phil once again encouraged, maybe 'insisted' is a better description, that I run with the MadDogs. I no longer had a reason to say no, so I began running with the group. My running and friendship with the MadDogs started with Phil Montgomery. He will always be a special person in the
history of running at KU.

I arrived at KU as a new Assistant Professor in Community Health in 1985 and quickly learned about the Mad Dogs running group that left Robinson Center each lunchtime. Those welcoming, fun-filled, light-hearted gatherings quickly enabled me to feel at home in my new situation. It was so clear to me that Phil was the chief orchestrator of all events related to the Mad Dogs, and indeed he was the Top Dog. His dignified, warm manner seemed to include everyone, and I felt instantly absorbed into the fray; I felt at home in this group in a way that I had never before experienced in sporting clubs in England and New Zealand.

Phil was a strong, gentle guiding light for the group, and I remember observing how he labored during pack runs with his ailing knees, probably in great discomfort but unflinchingly stalwart as he led running packs down the road. He clearly loved to run and even more, loved to run in the company of kindred running spirits.

Also, I remember happy times at Phil's home when he and his wife hosted runners' social gatherings. I left KU in 1988 and returned later from Oregon and saw Phil, then in a wheelchair but still as positive and involved as he ever was, helping and directing Mad Dogs events; as ever, he remained the Top Dog.

He will be sorely missed but lovingly and affectionately remembered by all who were so fortunate to have known him.

From Mike Kelly (KU Maddog 1976 - 1979)  

Dear Maddogs,

Phil Montgomery was the the heart and soul of KU's faculty runners, a.k.a., the "Maddogs," over several decades.

I remember meeting Phil on my very first day at KU in 1976 when I joined the group for a noon-time run.  I was always struck by Phil's approachable, friendly demeanor. As others have shared with you, Phil welcomed all to the group and always kept a protective eye over newcomers.

Phil's original running group was "math" and "science" heavy. Yet it also included folks from across KU, including the Geological Survey, the Business School, and the History and Art Departments. As a serving Marine at KU on NROTC duty, I felt somewhat like the odd man out at times. 

Phil had learned that I had run the 1976 San Diego Mission Bay Marathon just before arriving at the NROTC unit at KU.  At that time, in 1976, few at KU had attempted a marathon. (Jim Brewer may have been the group's first marathoner and ultra-marathoner. I believe he was in South Africa when I arrived at KU.)

Phil and others wanted to run the KU Relays Marathon and we set that goal in our training, aiming for the 1977 Relays.  Phil kept the group together while I shared what knowledge I had gleaned from my San Diego Mission Bay run with all.  Those were great days! (Dick Lipsey's record archives reflect those who ran that 1977 KU Relays Marathon.)

Neil Salkind's reference to Phil in the "Brass Balls" Triathlon brought back one particularly strong memory and image of Phil. I wanted to do a triathlon after having read in Sports Illustrated about the first "Ironman" in Hawaii. Four others, including Phil, agreed to give it a go. Phil arranged for us to use the pool in Robinson.

On the day of the event, Phil showed up with an older English commuting bike of some kind, with a padded seat and upright handlebars! It looked like one of the bikes in Judy Garland's "The Wizard of Oz" movie. Phil rode to Vinland and back on that bike --- 26 miles!

Phil was a quiet, encouraging leader who loved running. Phil enjoyed being with those who pursued running for recreation and competition. At the 1992 Reunion, four of the five of us who had participated in that 1979 triathlon had our picture taken. In that picture, Phil has the broadest smile imaginable on his face. That's how I will always remember Phil, enjoying the companionship of his fellow KU runners.

I immensely enjoyed Phil's friendship and his enthusiasm for running. I think of him often. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and to all of you who knew him and considered him a friend.

Semper Fi.
   

From Emily Roth:

These e-mails have expressed such a great outpouring of love and affection for Phil. It's true that he was all these things ... leader of the pack, top dog, etc., ...without challenge, and that is really saying something because there were plenty of alpha males in the group as I recall.

But, Phil was number one and we would have followed him over a cliff if he had led us that way. I especially agree with all the comments about his gentle and kind spirit. Like others of you, I have always thought of him often in the many years that I've been gone, and I've never experienced such a cohesive group again, although I've run and rowed with many people since then. I think it was the almost brilliant conversations that made this group unique and the synergy of those particular minds. It's not a mistake that it was an academic group. There seemed to be this critical mass of people including Fred Van Vleck, Tony Redwood, Ed Eglinski and Mohammed (and many others) who along with Phil brought this great wit and wisdom to the group and it worked in this wonderful way and most of us weren't even aware of how special it was.

I hope Phil knew how much we loved him and how we will miss him.

From Debbie Faurot:

I appreciate the outpouring of affection for Phil, and stories many of you have shared. I started running in the mid-seventies with a couple of women friends. Eventually, they dropped out, and I was running outside on my own at noon. I typically headed out slightly before the Mad Dogs, and, shortly, a thundering herd would pass me. Several times Phil encouraged me to join them, but I insisted I was too slow.

Eventually he convinced me, some runners were slow, and would stick with me for a time. These runners turned out to be Phil, Fred Van Vleck, Tony Redwood, and others. I concluded it was better to start at the back of the pack rather than the front! Phil always stuck with me, and I felt encouraged and entertained.

Phil organized many banquets which were a wonderful occasion to honor runners, and share clever and witty awards. I am grateful for the many friends that resulted from running thirty years or so with the group, and especially to Phil for encouraging me to join when that didn't seem an option. He will be remembered with great affection. Dave and I send our condolences to the family.

From Karen Hamrick:

Emily's message about Phil and the MadDogs is a very succinct description. I, too, have never been part of a group that was so 'family', either before 1975 when I first became aware of that group of guys running in the Field House (far more interesting than trying to swim for exercise, which I hated), or after 1986, when I left Lawrence. I grew up with the MadDogs. I learned how to run without getting shin splints, how to breathe, how to train long distance, how to be part of a team, how to talk with people from all disciplines across Campus. All I had to do was show up and I was surrounded by life, love, support, comedy, drama.

As a group we lived through each of the ups and downs of our collective lives because we really talked with one another for that hour or so when we were pounding the pavement together. We gently and sometimes fiercely competed, we challenged each other to work harder, as a group we kept raising the bar. We had all levels of ability in our group and
we were still the MadDogs and Englishmen.

I remember Mike Kelly singing the Marine chants occasionally, Mike Gaines telling such hilariously funny stories that I could barely keep from falling over laughing, the camaraderie that I developed with Emily, Linda, Jo Stiles, Deb Altus, Caroline Zimmerman and the other women that I knew during my era. I remember Grover running circles around us...he
would dart off to the side and run around a neighborhood somewhere before joining us again from behind, gliding like a gazelle. Doug Houston was a great pacemaker. He was always stronger than I was but he would stay with me if I was struggling. He would talk me up hills by telling me to think of a hand gently pushing my back...I swear, I never felt that hand but I had to keep working at it because he was still by my side.

Sometimes the pace of the collective footsteps of our group was enough and I was at peace listening to conversations around me, feeling the rhythm, not feeling the need to talk, just moving, breathing, part of the group, secure in the middle, the rhythm. There is no way I can move like that now, and I miss it.

Oh, and I will never forget the day we were running along the road by one of the Fraternities and Bob Welch suddenly bent down and bounced back up in one easy motion with a hundred dollar bill in his hand. Party!!! he declared, and we did, at Doug and Pam's, as I remember. Phil Montgomery did a magnificent thing for us when he became our Top Dog.

From Peter Lorenzi (1978-86):

I first met Phil Montgomery probably in spring 1979, when Tony Redwood prompted me to join the 'noon running group', as it was known (to me) at the time. It was the end of my first year at Kansas and other than the fact that it seemed more
like the MATH running group, I easily recall that Phil Montgomery quickly earned my admiration and appreciation as "the good shepherd". No matter the number or quality of runners coming out of the faculty locker room that day (and 'thirty' would not be an overestimate as to the number, and 'incredible' would be a fair description of some of the quality too: Mike Ott, Jim Brewer, Grover Everett, Bob Hughes, Herschel Stiles), it really wasn't a run until Phil led us off,
named the route, and guided the rookies like the great shepherd that he was.

It was the KU marathon in [1980], where we have a picture of me alongside Phil at the turn of the race. Phil was not the fastest but he was the most reliable leader and companion out there. And he always provided that warm,
sincere grin and radio commentator-quality voice to guide you in your moment of doubt. Buried away in my photo albums is picture of Phil in conversation at one of the runner parties at my house at 1812 Alabama circa fall 1984. He was always a good counterweight to some of his colleagues. How he put up with that disparate crew of mathematicians was another demonstration of his character.

I left KU in summer 1986, made it back a few times for the fall run, saw Phil last time in his wheel chair, and spending each fall wondering if I would ever get back there again, to visit the crew and the good shepherd. And each summer,
my telling myself, "Maybe this year..."

We have truly seen the passing of a legend.

From Neil & Leni Salkind:

Phil became good friends with Leni and me in 1973, and I visited him through the past few years, but certainly not often enough. We of course ran together and socialized, and some of you may remember the brass balls triathlon from 1978 (way early) with Bob Kent, Phil, Mike Ott, Mike Kelly with a swim at Robinson, a ride to Vineland and then a 6-mile run. What fun, and the actual brass balls are still in Bob's possession.
Phil was gentle, kind, always concerned about everyone's well being and also always the optimist. He'll be missed, and we are all less without him.

From Betty Bunce:

I will never forget how quickly Phil organized the drivers to KU-Med for John when he needed to have radiation twice a day, five days a week, for six weeks. Phil was not only caring, but great at organization. He was the "top dog" of
the Maddogs, but also a topnotch person. He will be missed by many.

From Sydney Cameron:

Phil was a marvelous person, and everyone's thoughts and memories about him and the noon running group at KU are wonderfully heartwarming. I ran with the noon group for a few years between 1981 and 1985, introduced to it by Karen and Jim Hamrick when I began grad school. I remember the friendships on the road, the joking and teasing and conversation. I remember Phil's kind and gentle ways and am struck by the fact that even in death Phil continues to shepherd this group across wide distances-- a wonderful testimonial to a great human spirit that will keep the noon runners going for many years to come!

1980: Phil 6th from left in back row, between Tony Redwood and Bob Welch

From Jim Halle:

After reading the notes about Phil from a number of folks whom I met through the KU noon running group, I wanted to add my name to those who knew Phil. In all honesty, I didn't come to know Phil so very well, but I do remember his head band and long hair, his tall and lanky frame, and his consistency of engagement in the noon group. I was in Lawrence from 1976-1980, completing a doctorate in Human Development. I don't remember exactly which year (1976 or 1977) I discovered the noon running group, but I do know it changed my life -- I became an avid runner for the next 30
years, pounding the pavement until my joints caused me to run less frequently, with less intensity, and only on soft surfaces. I ran 2 KU marathons, in 1978 and 1979, and thoroughly enjoyed running in local and regional races with members of the KU noon group!

I want to take this opportunity to say "hello" again to many who were my running buddies in the late '70s (and forgive me if I omitted some folks -- it's been a long time). Folks who introduced me to long-distance running and mentored me included Mike Ott, Bob Hughes, Hershel & Jo Styles, Mike Kelly, Phil, Fred Van Vleck, Ed Eglinski, Larry Brady, Chuck Eklund, Sri S., Tony Redwood, Peter Lorenzi, Karen & Jim Hamrick, David Holmes, Bob Welch, Ed Morris, Jim Orr, and others who are not on the list -- for example Gerry McSheffrey and Ted Chang.

In closing, Phil clearly had a big impact on many among his running friends as demonstrated by this continuing string of e-mail -- this is strong evidence for a life well lived. I too hope that he knew in life how much he was loved and appreciated!

From Chuck Eklund:

I have lots of fond memories or running with Phil in the last 1970s. I was part of that first marathon group and remember lots of training runs with Phil and others. I left Lawrence in 1979 so didn't get to know him as well as many of you, but he was a first-class human for sure. Peace be to his memory.

Reading the remembrances from the various people made me remember people I hadn't thought of in years (Mike Kelly for example). Those were great days.

From Morrrie Faiman:

Phil was the leader of the pack. What stands out about Phil was that when you first came into the running group he was most welcoming and treated you as if you had been already running with the group for years. A very warm and caring
person.

From Mike Gaines:

To all, It is clear from everyone's email and outpouring of affection that Phil was able to bring in folks together from disparate backgrounds and create a community. He touched so many people. It was much more than a running group--it was a support group as so eloquently stated by Karen Hamrick. What it required was strong leadership, which Phil so skillfully provided. Although, I lost contact with Phil when I moved to Miami, I would rely on reports from Jim Orr and Fred VanVleck. Phil was a special person who radiated optimism with his special brand of hope.

From Ed Morris:

I am so sorry. He was both a leader and a support dog, especially to those of us new to the pack in the day and afterward.

1992 MadDogs run: Mike Ott, Mike Kelly, Larry Brady, Phil, Fred Van Vleck

From Ann Cudd:

When I joined the group in 1988, Phil was the head dog and one of the kindest guys around. It was always a high point in my day when he greeted me and the others, and set us off on our daily lunchtime run. I have made many lifelong
friends through this group, and that's in no small part due to Phil. I am sad to hear that he is gone, and will never forget him.

From Deborah Altus:

Oh, I so very sorry to hear this! In addition to being a wonderful Top Dog and coach to all of us for so many years, Phil was also incredibly kind and caring. When my father died when I was in graduate school, Phil orchestrated the sending of a sympathy card that all the Mad Dogs signed. It was a lovely gesture and one that I will always remember. Phil will be dearly missed by all of us.

2005 MadDogs run (courtesy of Pat & Wes Hubert); Fred at left, Mike Harmon at right

From Pam Eglinski:

It's a sad day ...

June 1987 (photo courtesy of Bob Hanzlik)

From Jeff Allen:

I am a better person for having known Phil Montgomery. RIP!

From Michael Harmon (the 14th hill kid):

I am sorry about Phil's death. Phil took me into the Mad Dogs and encouraged me. Phil allowed me to change the Mad Dogs run so I could run up 14th Street. If it was not for Phil and the group, I would not have accomplished my runs and
triathlons. I will remember Phil when I run.

"Phil at the helm" June 1987 (courtesy of Bob Hanzlik)

From Tony Redwood:

I would like to join my colleagues and friends in saluting our dear friend and leader Phil Montgomery.
In a lifetime one meets many people, but only a few “great” ones that have a significant impact on our lives. Such was Phil to me.
We make many decisions in life, some good and some not so good, but one of the best I made was to join the noon running group, at Phil’s behest. The legacy is that I still go out for an hour a day “power” walking, and because of that I am still around today.
I was in the Robinson locker room one day in Fall 1977, and whining about another boring swim. Phil piped up and said why don't you come running instead. I said I am just an average runner and he said not to worry, the running was just recreational. So as directed I joined the group next day in the fieldhouse. It included (I think) Grover Everett, Jim Brewer, Mike Ott, Fred Van Fleck, and Phil, and a few others. Off we went, and a different runner took the pace setting each lap or so. After five or so laps I was panting at the rear, wondering what I had got myself into, and then Phil drops back and tells me I was the next one expected to lead. Somehow I made it to the front, going at full pace, while the group was chatting away in their slow jog and nearly climbing my back. Phil saved me, by taking over the lead for the next lap, and then the group took off at running speed. Phil stayed with me for a couple more laps, extolling the virtues of running, and then I staggered back to Robinson, swearing off running for ever. But I was there next day again and ran God only knows how many more miles with Phil over the next twenty years.
It was Phil who fostered the distinguishing characteristics of our maddog group -- we met at a certain time and place and ran with whoever turned up, the group stayed together for the first half mile or so, and we ran at a pace that facilitated interpersonal dialogue. Even our best runners like Grover, Jim and Mike bought in to this concept. It was successful and made us unique, and think of all the wonderful colleagues from across the University that we got to meet.
I will wager that our dear friend and beloved leader is already setting up a maddogs group at the next place we are all heading for. Be ready Phil to lead us again, for we are coming.

From Frank Hefner:

The Mad Dogs made graduate school a truly moving experience for me. And Phil clearly was the heart and soul of the Mad Dogs. There is not much I can add to the outpouring of memorials. He will be missed. Actually I have missed him and the rest of the Mad Dogs since I left KU. There is a story to the title Phil gave me -- it is a silly story, not worth repeating -- but remembered fondly: Herr Doktor Professor Frank Hefner

From Max Sutton:

Phil led us by example even after his running days were over.

From Mohamed El-Hodiri:

Dear Phil
You reside now at a far better abode where you can conjure up all kind of delightful things and have your way with them (I think!), just like it says in the Divine Comedy (can you read Arabic? Now you can, since you are where we think you belong at the top of tops).
I see your gentle kind face with the smile being initiated but taking its time to arrive. Yes, and that red beard with icicles forming and staying as we ran (you ran and I tried to keep up) on the levee with the Duke of Kent expounding on the butter and chocolate (no flour) cake and with my saliva joining the sweat in the icicle-making project. On the levee we didn’t fall down and no motorists threw catchup on us. Out in the streets was another matter.
I see your knowing hand guiding your students (including my son Heithem) and teaching them how to teach math to reluctant students. It is not an adversarial process, you taught, but is a truly American way; it is collaborative. Teacher collaborates with the student and student collaborates with student. You gave and gave and did not have to be incentivized (KU didn’t even try to acknowledge your work – par for the course).
You rest for now.  For soon, I will come over and run your butt to the ground.

Photo courtesy of Bob Hanzlik

From Bob Hanzlik:

Dear Fellow Mad Dogs,

Many of you have written of your fond memories of Phil Montgomery, some at length, some eloquently, some briefly, each with your own recollections, each in your own way. I too have many fond memories of Phil, some similar or even the same as yours, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, I'd like to share a few photos of Phil that I know you have never seen before. I think they capture some of the personal qualities that Phil had and that many of you have reflected on.  

This little story begins one late-spring evening in the early 1980s, some years after I joined the running group. Lois and I had gone to a performance of some kind in Murphy Hall. On the way out we bumped into Phil and (his date) Nancy in the lobby, and the four of us went out for a drink at Sargent Preston's (if you remember this place you're approaching or past retirement age!). That was the start of a series of running group-inspired social activities in and around Lawrence that Lois and I shared with Phil and Nancy, Molly and Tony Redwood, and Pam and Ed Eglinski over a period of several years. Lois and I had always wanted to do a sailing trip, and in 1987 we persuaded Phil and Nancy to join us for a "bare-boat" charter off the west coast of Florida. It wasn't exactly a high seas adventure, but we did get a chance to outrun a waterspout. I still have a working Koozie from Miller's Marina in Boca Grande where we sheltered until the storm passed. Overall it was a really great trip despite the fact that for seven days and six nights, the four of us couldn't get more than 36 feet apart. That says a lot about the wonderful friends we had with us.  

Enjoy the photos, and think good thoughts of Phil.