Christopher “Chris” Richard McMahon, age 53, of East Helena, Montana, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of November 25, 2024. Chris was born on June 25, 1971, in Anchorage, Alaska, and grew up in Helena, Montana, where he graduated from Capital High School in 1989. His journey through life was marked by a deep passion for helping others and a love for adventure. At the age of 15, Chris became an Explorer Cadet with the Anchorage Police Department, a position he was encouraged to pursue by his karate instructor, who was also a police officer. Recognizing Chris’s natural leadership and ability, his instructor helped him discover a path that would influence his life. Chris’s love for martial arts was evident throughout his life. He earned a brown belt in Kenpo Karate and became a respected karate instructor. He was known for his dedication to his craft and won many trophies for his impressive kata routines, showcasing his precision and discipline.
Chris found his calling in the field of dog training. He attended school in Texas at the Dog Training Institute, specializing in working with dogs for people with disabilities, a skill that he carried with him throughout his life. He continued to train “dog owners” until his passing. Chris’s professional journey also included working in the mining industry at Montana Tunnels, a position he held intermittently over four years. He truly thrived in his role as a fiberoptic engineer contracting at Eagle Communications and Nortel during that time. He traveled extensively across the United States, helping to install fiberoptic stations with his brother Casey. Chris was proud to be a part of such significant work effort to bring internet around the United States, but always felt at home in Montana, a place he loved and never wanted to leave. After spending some time in Butte, Montana, working various jobs, Chris returned to Helena in 2009. He bartended and managed the Eagles Bar and later worked as a Dispatcher for the Montana Department of Transportation, where he served with dedication until his passing.
Outside of work, Chris enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing in his favorite spots like the Little Black Foot, hunting, and hiking in the mountains at Telegraph Creek. His love for animals was evident, especially with his two labs, Parker and Copper, whom he adored. Chris had a big heart, and his sense of humor and playful spirit made him a beloved friend and family member. He was also an avid golfer and pool player, and one of his favorite games was corn hole. His love for music, especially the band Big Head Todd and the Monsters, was a defining part of his life.
Chris is survived by his father Carl McMahon (Julie), and his mother Gayle Eby, Grandmother Delores Doss and a large extended family. He is also survived by his siblings: Brother Casey McMahon (Tiffany), sister Jennie McMahon, and many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Other surviving family Siblings: Peter Garcia, Krystal Wasson (Shane), Melanie Garcia, Josh Johnson (Anna), Jaimi Harper (Cody), Jinger Tripp, Janae Johnson; nieces & nephews: Shaeley McMahon, Caden Hodik, Camryn McMahon, Christian, Neveah, Ethan, Sarai, Silus, Weston, Colton, Audrey, Koehn, Cruz, Jaden and Lucian.
Chris was preceded in death by his birth mother, Joleen Garcia; his grandparents, Gene Eby (Lorraine Eby), Dick Doss, John McMahon, Kay McMahon (Hensley); his paternal uncle, Larry McMahon; and many other loved ones.
A private family service will be held. Please join us on December 28th from 1pm – 4pm at The Glass Slipper on Canyon Ferry Road, for a Celebration of Life to honor Chris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite animal shelter on behalf of Chris. Chris’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him – his humor, his love for animals, his passion for martial arts, and his unshakable spirit will be remembered always.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday December 28, 2024
The Glass Slipper
5720 Canyon Ferry Rd
East Helena, MT 59635
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday December 28, 2024
The Glass Slipper
5720 Canyon Ferry Rd
East Helena, MT 59635
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Raina rockenbaugh says
To the family of Chris, I worked with him at mdt and he was a very knowledgeable and helpful coworker. I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve made a donation to the Lewis and Clark humane society in his name. Rest peacefully Chris!
Kent Richards says
I’m very sorry to hear about Chris. I worked and traveled with him on several jobs throughout the country installing fiber optics. He was always great to work with and will be missed.
My condolences to his family.
Troy Hayward says
Chris,
I’m sorry to hear of your passing my friend. I will cherish the footsteps that we took together through life.
An old friend,
Troy
Bri Donoven says
My heart goes out to Chris’s family. Chris and I shared a lot of happy memories and that’s what I will hold on to. I know he’s reunited with Parker and Copper and although it’s too soon, I know how happy that must make him. Rest easy, Chris.
Denice McMahon says
Carl sending love and prayers to you and your family. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your son Chris.
Cindy Barnes says
RIP Chris, you will be missed.
Kim Karlon says
I just found out that my best friend Chris passed away and I am devastated, beyond devastated. Chris I love you so much and I am heartbroken.
Chris wasn’t just a friend—he was family. The kind of soul who could be out of touch for weeks or months, and the second we connected again, it felt like no time had passed at all. That kind of bond is rare. That kind of love is a gift. He was a gift.
No words could ever fully capture how incredible Chris was—or how deeply I loved him for exactly who he was. The humor, the grit, the honesty, the heart—every bit of him. I loved him wholeheartedly and would have never changed a thing.
We met in 2004 during dog training school, and from that moment, he and Parker became part of my life forever. I basically followed him around like Parker until he finally gave in and we became friends.
Chris took me under his wing and made me a better dog trainer—and a better person. He never let me get away with selling myself short. He always called me out when I doubted myself and reminded me what I was capable of. He was always in my corner, giving advice, lifting me up, and pushing me to grow—whether it was as a trainer, a mom, a friend, or just a human being trying to get it right. Because that’s who Chris was: the kind of person who made you better simply by being in your life.
I gave him the nickname “Grumpy” out of pure love and affection—because he could be tough on me, but I knew it was only because he cared deeply. He expected the best from the people he loved, and I was very lucky enough to be one of them.
We shared laughter, tears, deep conversations, and light-hearted ones too. We talked through challenges and celebrated each other’s wins. Chris always had a way of making me laugh, even in the hardest moments. He loved his dogs-he loved all dogs and it truly showed with his connections to Parker, Copper and Tommy, his training dog from school.
Our last conversation was a long, overdue catch-up—just like always. We laughed, talked smack and swapped stories about everything going on in our lives. It felt so normal. So easy. So…us. Had I known it was going to be the last time I’d hear his voice, I would’ve told him how much he meant to me. I would’ve told him how much I loved him—over and over again—instead of my usual, “Love ya, talk soon.” I pray he truly knows the love I have for him and that he will always be with me.
He loved his dogs—Parker and Copper—with his whole heart, and I know he’s reunited with them now. That thought brings me a little peace.
Even though we hadn’t seen each other in a while, it never mattered. Our connection was always there. I could text or call and be met with the same warmth, humor, and honesty that made Chris such a beloved part of my life.
To his family, my heart breaks for you. I know how deeply you loved him. I almost feel selfish grieving so hard, because I know he wouldn’t want that. But I miss him terribly. I just love him so much.
Chris, thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for your friendship, your humor, and your heart. Thank you for believing in me, for pushing me, for being my “Grumpy”—and for making me better. I will be forever grateful to God for putting you in my path. You were one of the great ones, and I will miss you always.
With love and heartbreak,
Kim Karlon