Mike Donahue

(1946 – 2005)

Mike founded the Colorado Mountain School in 1981 and guided in RMNP for over thirty years. He changed guiding by focusing always on the climber – his client, friend and partner – more than on the climb. Fundamentally, Mike guided people to adventure. He had an unparalleled ability to successfully bring individuals to summits and atop climbs that they never would have believed were within their abilities without Mike’s encouragement. In his own words, from the 1994 Guides Manual: “What we teach is important, but not nearly as important as the mental state and climbing experience we lead our clients to.” He believed, lived and taught that, “Life is for living and living is right now.” A true environmentalist and lover of the mountains, he saw himself in the tradition of Enos Mills (a mountain guide and considered the “father of RMNP”), a nature guide as much as a technical mountain guide. A model of grace and dignity throughout his life, including his expedition with brain cancer, Mike passed in peace with his family by his side. He touched many people very deeply and we miss him.