In Loving Memory of Donald Denney McKendry

Donald Denney McKendry was born on June 3, 1958, to Judith Whiteis and Andrew McKendry. He grew up alongside his sisters, Shannon Debus and Joani Purdy (Barry Purdy), spending time in Arizona, Greeley, Gunnison, and Arvada, Colorado. On February 6, 2025, Don sadly passed away in Montrose, Colorado, after a battle with cancer. He had a deep love for adventure and cherished time spent in the woods, exploring, hunting, and fishing.

After high school and starting his career, Don married Phyllis Preiskorn (later divorced) and became a devoted father to three children: Michelle Pottorff (Eric Pottorff), Matthew McKendry, and Kevin McKendry (1984-2021) (Heather McKendry). As a single father, Don raised his children with unwavering dedication, instilling in them his passion for the outdoors. Summers were spent at the Miracle Mile in Wyoming, floating worms for big trout, while fall meant loading up the ‘73 Blazer for mule deer hunts on Colorado’s Western Slope. His 7mm magnum was always dead on, and he took pride in passing down his hunting and fishing traditions to his kids.

Don built a respected career as a Master Electrician, working for Custom Electrical Contracting in Arvada, Colorado. Later in life, he mentored Matt in the electrician trade, helping him forge his own path in the industry. Meanwhile, Kevin excelled in big rig construction, and Michelle embarked on a business career, all a source of immense pride for Don.

A self-proclaimed “stunt swiller,” Don was rarely seen without a Budweiser in hand. He had a gift for working with his hands, crafting projects with meticulous precision. If there was a problem, Don could solve it. A no-nonsense man, he never hesitated to speak his mind, sometimes coming across as crass—but those who knew him understood he had a heart of gold. He’d be mad to hear it said, but deep down, he was a big teddy bear.

Football was another of Don’s great passions, particularly the Denver Broncos. He was known for his colorful commentary (and occasional cursing) while watching games with friends and family. He also played fantasy football for over 20 years, becoming a legend on draft day, with stories that will be told for generations.

In 2016, with some gentle persuasion, Don moved to Montrose, Colorado, to join Michelle and Eric in a slower-paced lifestyle. He relished being away from the city’s hustle and found work with Tiger Electric, where he remained until his passing.

Of all his passions, none compared to his love for his granddaughters, Aspen and Jurnee. He was deeply involved in their lives, cheering them on at sporting events and sharing his talents and beliefs with them. He loved showing off pictures of them and recounting weekend crab boils at the cabins or big trout caught at Blue Mesa.

Don’s love for the outdoors never waned. He spent countless hours camping and hunting in Unit 70 with family and friends. His legendary 7mm magnum never failed to fill a tag for over 20 years. One of his greatest dreams was to harvest an elk, a goal he finally achieved in 2023 in Unit 61, surrounded by friends and family. That hunt remained one of his all-time favorites.

Every house Don owned was meticulously organized, and he always had a project in the works. One of his proudest creations was the “Grillzibo,” a custom-built outdoor space for grilling and swilling in any weather. He loved nothing more than firing up his collection of grills, cooking up steaks, teriyaki chicken thighs, and ribs while curating the perfect playlist for the occasion. Many late nights were spent teaching Aspen and Jurnee how to water the lawn just right for nightcrawler extraction before upcoming fishing trips.

Don was more than just a friend, father, grandfather, brother, and confidant—he was a legend. Though he is gone, his spirit lives on in the crack of a Budweiser can, the opening of a PowerBait jar, and the sound of a haunting John Hiatt tune. He’s in the first snowflake of fall, the echo of a bugling elk down the canyon, and the thrill of a perfect toss in bean bag games. He’s the sting of a shot of Bulleit bourbon and the whisper of ponderosa pines during turkey season.

Don’s presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will forever be cherished. Love you, bud.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/donald-mckendry/obituary/

Copy