Donald "Don" Lawrence Madore

Don Madore, age 59, died unexpectedly at his home in Helena, MT due to complications of diabetes.

He was born on July 22, 1959 to Lawrence J. Madore and Bettie Sherwood Madore in Tupper Lake, NY. He grew up in Tupper Lake, NY and later in White River Jct., VT where he graduated in 1977 from Hartford High School. Don continued his education receiving an Associate of Science degree in Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Vermont Technical College in 1979 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University in 1989.

Don's work career embraced many disciplines including electronic and mechanical drafting, preparation of hospital operating room surgical kits, operating newspaper preparation machinery, vacuum janitorial work, and recently, as a free lance journalist writing articles for a mining journal.

Don was a humble man with a generous heart. He was a kind soul especially to children, those less fortunate than himself, and to the family border collies, Scout and Jax, who loved him with equal measure. Don was a devoted son who cared for his aging parents so they could die peacefully in their own home. He was a man of strong convictions, a steadfast friend, a loving brother and uncle, and a loyal, if not pessimistic, Red Sox fan. He moved to Helena, MT in 2011 to be with his sister Kim and her family. He fully embraced the traditional Montanan way of life and found his true home.

As a young man, his passion was hiking and camping among the tallest peaks of the Appalachian trail, the Pacific Crest trail, and the Colorado and Montana Rocky Mountains. Later in life, his passion was seeking out old gold mine tailings and developing fine particle gold extraction techniques. He was happiest in the solitude of the mountains and in the company of his immediate family and friends over dinner, game nights, and campfires.

Don is survived by his sister Kimberly Madore Newman and her husband Dr. Edward Newman DVM, his sister Margaret (Peggy) Madore Arons and her husband Marty Arons, his beloved nephews Jared Newman and Kyle Newman, and Kyle's wife Kellie Nix.

Per Don's wishes, he was cremated and an intimate Celebration of Life will be held in the spring with family and close friends. An announcement of the time and place will be made later. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that written memories or anecdotes of Don be sent to www.helenafunerals.com or to Kim Newman to be shared at the Celebration of His Life.