Adam's Legacy From Tragedy to Healing

Adam Montag is remembered as a young man who had much to offer, among which were his love, friendship, ready smile and impish sense of humor.  But Adam’s greatest gift was received by his family and friends after his death, and it is a legacy that will keep his memory alive.  Not long after Adam died in an automobile accident caused in part by driving too fast on wet roads, his alma mater, Miami High School, instituted a program called Save Our Students.  It is designed to make young drivers more aware of how dangerous excessive speed can be, and how important it is to pay special attention when road conditions are less than perfect.  It teaches them to be better and more alert drivers.  “The roads were wet the night Adam died,” says his mother, Shanna, “and the police report stated that the driver of the car was traveling very fast.”  Save Our Students couldn’t help Adam, but Shanna thinks it may help some of those friends who meant so much to him. 

Like most other 17 year old boys, Adam was crazy about his car.  When he found the Ford Probe, it needed some fixing up.  But that was okay with Adam.  Every hour he invested in was time well spent.  It was truly a labor of love.  Now the Probe sets in his mother’s garage as if waiting for Adam to once again slide behind the wheel.  “It was his most prized possession,” says Shanna.  “He loved that car.  That’s why we had Dodd’ Monuments etch a picture of it into the black marble headstone that we chose for Adam’s grave site.”  When Adam died on March 4, 2004, he wasn’t in the Probe.  His friend was driving the two of them to a tutoring session.  “Algebra was a difficult subject for Adam,” says Shanna, “and he had decided to get some help with it.  I remember he used to say, ‘Mom, Algebra will be the death of me.’  I guess that in a way it was.”  Adam would probably have smiled at the irony of that statement.  He smiled a lot.  “Adam was a happy young man, “says Shanna, “and he loved clowning around.  I think that’s one of the things that endeared him to so many people.  There were over 2,000 folks who attended Adam’s viewing.”  Many of those visitors helped pay his funeral expenses.  “Adam’s schoolmates, our friends and members of our family held special events to raise money for his funeral and burial,” says Shanna.  “They held a cornhole tournament.  This sport is based on the game of horseshoes, only it’s done using beanbags.  They also held car washes.  Because of their kindness and hard work, we were able to pay for everything Adam needed.”  One of the things he needed was graveside monument that would forever capture the essence of his life.  “I wanted Adam’s monument to be a tribute to how he lived; to show how much he loved life, how much he was treasured by his family and friends, and how greatly he touched the lives of so many people.” 

Shanna worked with Rick Meyer in Dodds’ Monuments’ Lebanon, OH office to design the monument.  In addition to putting the picture of Adam’s car on the headstone, his class picture, personal messages from Shanna and Adam’s sister, Morgan, and a drawing of his four-wheeler were also etched into the marble stone.  “He really enjoyed riding his four-wheeler,” says Shanna.  “It was almost as important to him as taking out the Probe.”  Before choosing Dodds’ Monuments, Shanna talked to two other monument companies, but didn’t find the quality of service, variety of products and compassionate support she wanted for anyplace except Dodd’s.  “Rick Meyer was just wonderful,” says Shanna.  “He gave me all the time I needed and had infinite patience in working with me to design a tribute to Adam’s life.  I could not have asked for anyone to be more caring, thoughtful and helpful.”  “I would strongly recommend Dodds’ and especially Rick, to anyone who wants their loved one’s monument to be a lasting reflection of their lives.”   The beautiful Dodd’ monument is only one of the ways that Adam will be remembered.  His friends from Miami High School planted trees in his honor and provided a tree stone.  Shanna’s parents had a stone designed in the shape of a heart, and engraved with the last Christmas picture taken of Adam, Morgan and Shanna.  Even the local fired department remembered Adam in a special way.  “Adam was a cadet for the Harlan Township Fire Department,” says Shanna.  “As a tribute to him, the fire department gave Adam a full ceremonial burial.” 

 Shanna is a single mother who raised Adam and his 14 year old sister, Morgan, mostly by herself.  Their dad wasn’t around much, so the person Adam depended on was his mom.  “We had a great relationship,” says Shanna, “and I miss him so much.”  Morgan, too, misses her big brother.  She attends Little Miami School and is in the eighth grade.  “Morgan is coping fairly well with the loss of Adam,” says Shanna, “but I know that it’s still very hard for her.”  Both Shanna and Morgan continue to find comfort and support from sharing their feelings with family and friends.  “Everyone has been so very supportive,” says Shanna.  “I will never find a way to repay all their kindness.”

Veterans Memorials

Dodds Monuments has been honored in the past 10-15 years to design and erect many of the beautiful Veterans memorials throughout the Miami Valley.

Dodds Monuments has been chosen by more veterans committees that all other memorial companies in the Dayton area combined.  Dodds owner, Eric Fogarty, has designed the Ohio Korean Veterans Memorial in downtown Dayton, the Beavercreek Veterans Memorial, the Moraine Veterans Memorial, and the Middletown Veterans Memorial.  Dodds has also been involved with veterans memorials in Dayton, Sabina, Springfield, Lebanon, Bellbrook, Wilmington, Xenia and several other communities.  “It has been a privilege to work with the different committees,” says Fogarty, “the individuals who give so much of their time so the sacrifices of our veterans will not be forgotten.”

Dodds was also selected to manufacture and design several of the memorials at the Air Force Museum in their Memorial Park, including the large memorial at the entrance to the park which is dedicated to the 59 Medal of Honor recipients from the US Air Force.

Memorial Choices Are Only Limited By Imagination

 Before making the decisions how to memorialize a departed loved one, it's important to take the time to put your thoughts and feelings into perspective.  The choice of monument should never be made in haste.  The choice in style, design, message, size, and materials all need to be approached in a relaxed and clear manner.  Pre-planning is always of great benefit, but often not possible, and the choices are left to family and friends who need the time to think through the decisions and selections thoughtfully and carefully.  Remember the monument you design is meant to be eternal, and should be given the consideraton needed to convey the exact tribute you desire and your loved one deserves.  The staff of Dodds Monuments is ready to assist you in any way possible.