Samuel Wayne Isidro Montano, affectionately known as Sam, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at Ironwood Rehabilitation in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, following a courageous battle with dementia. He was 67 years old.

Sam was born on August 2, 1958, in Montrose, Colorado, to Juan and Lillian Montano. He spent his childhood in Colorado and Utah before moving with his family to Idaho’s Silver Valley in 1973, a place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.

After graduating from Wallace High School, Sam began working at the Galena Mine. A few years later, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and became the owner of St. Sammy’s Alibi Bowling Alley in Wallace. An avid bowler, Sam loved bringing people together and creating memorable evenings filled with music, lights, laughter, and friendly competition. His love of music extended beyond the bowling alley, as he frequently served as a DJ for school dances, weddings, and community celebrations.

Golf was another of Sam’s greatest passions. He could often be found on the fairways of Shoshone Golf Course, where he enjoyed countless rounds with friends and proudly achieved a hole-in-one on the seventh hole—a memory he treasured.

A gifted self-taught artist, Sam found joy in drawing with pencil and pen, creating remarkably detailed and lifelike images, especially of animals. He also enjoyed taking peaceful walks along the trail between Wallace and Osburn and collecting coins, with a special fondness for wheat-back pennies.

Above all, Sam’s greatest joy was supporting the young people in his life. Whether cheering from the stands at his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, coaching Little League baseball, teaching children how to bowl, tutoring students after school, or simply spending time with family, Sam had a generous heart and a genuine love for kids. His encouragement, kindness, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on many lives.

Sam was a devoted sports fan who faithfully cheered for both the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the BYU Cougars. However, whenever the two teams faced each other, there was never any question where his loyalty ultimately rested—the Zags always won out.

Sam is survived by his siblings: Cora (Brent) Briggs, Jeri Beck, Jeff (Debbie) Montano, and Chris Montano, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews who will forever cherish the love, laughter, and memories they shared with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lillian Montano; his sisters, Irene Nipp and Roberta Perry; his brothers-in-law, Henry Nipp and Randy Beck; and his nephew, Jerrod Beck.

In accordance with Sam’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. His family will celebrate his life privately, just as he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local Humane Society of your choice, honoring Sam’s love and compassion for animals, especially his numerous cats all named Babe.

Sam will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, artistic talent, love of family, and the countless smiles he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memories of Sam and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Montano family.