Regina friends remember Warren Montgomery after death due to COVID-19

Regina is coming together to help the family of Warren Montgomery through their loss after the 42-year-old died of COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The chef at The Big Easy Kitchen leaves behind his wife Roshelle as well as two daughters.

A GoFundMe project set up to help Montgomery’s family while he was hospitalized has continued past his death and raised more than $35,000 as of Thursday.

Just days before his death, he posted on social media, pleading for people to follow public health measures.

Former Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Belton Johnson was close with Montgomery. He took the time to remember his friend on the Greg Morgan Morning Show.

“Warren … He was just a great guy. A family guy. When that tragedy happened, you know … Everything just went fast … I did have to take a pause for a bit there, kind of think, reflect … (He was a) great guy,” Johnson said.

One way the pair would often bond was through food. Montgomery’s Louisiana roots brought southern flavour to Saskatchewan, while Johnson is originally from Tennessee.

“He made those Cajun meat pies, jambalya pies, mac and cheese … That’s why I couldn’t hang with him too much, because him and I cooking together … we tend to gain a little bit more weight,” Johnson said with a laugh.

“I’ll try to match his mac and cheese … but I’m sure I won’t even come close.”