Christopher “Chris” Richard McMahon, age 53, of East Helena

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

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