John McDonnell Harkin

John Harkin, an avid skier, educator, coach, and adventurer, passed away on October 27 at the age of 89. Born in 1936, he made a lasting impact in the communities of Marquette, MI, and Bozeman, MT, where he devoted nearly three decades to teaching and coaching, and another three decades dedicated to masters ski racing in Nordic, Biathlon, and Alpine disciplines. A passionate skier, John had an impressive history in competitive skiing. He joined the Army in January 1956 and was selected for the Fort Richardson Ski Team. Stationed in Anchorage, he also participated in the United States Army’s military ski firing patrol, where he was appointed team chief during a challenging competition. His skills shone through when he won the Arctic Valley Ski Bowl in Anchorage in March 1957.

After several years teaching and coaching in Marquette, he and his young family moved to Bozeman in 1966, where he coached at Bozeman Senior High School for six years. Under his leadership the teams consistently excelled, with state championships won by either the boys or girls teams every year, including a remarkable achievement in 1971 when both teams captured the title.

With a skill for mathematics, John dedicated 26 years to teaching, inspiring countless students with his innovative methods. His unique approach even helped a struggling student graduate by relating math concepts to truck driving.

John was instrumental in establishing the local ski and bike swap events that became community staples in Bozeman.

In 1986, he married his adventuresome partner, Suzette, and together they traveled the world, from the Inside Passage to Europe, New Zealand, Bali and beyond. Their shared love for outdoor exploration led to unforgettable experiences, including countless camping and hiking adventures, biking excursions and road trips around the US and Canada. John and Suzette’s front door was always open, hosting family and friends worldwide. They took in so many guests over the years that their home was nicknamed "Harkin Hotel".

John became involved in Nordic skiing racing in the 70’s. He spent many years as a citizen racer in Bozeman, then began competing nationally and internationally in the masters program. John's best result was a 10th place finish in the 30K freestyle at the World Masters in Anchorage Alaska. John was also a Masters Biathlete. John's excellent marksmanship combined with his fast cross country skiing lead him to the top of the podium in both the US and North American Championships.

John’s dedication to skiing extended to the Olympic stage, where he served as a wax coach for the Army World Class Athlete Program during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. Marching in the opening ceremonies was a pinnacle moment for John. His involvement in the ski industry inspired both of his children, Sherri and James Harkin, to become lifelong skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.

John is preceded in death by his son, Donald, who passed away at the young age of 12; his parents, Dr. John C. and Elizabeth Harkin; siblings, Betty Lou Kitzman, Janet Bourgeois, and Joan Saari. John is survived by his wife, Suzette Harkin; he is also survived by his first wife, Jean, and their two children, daughter, Sherri Harkin, and son, James Harkin; as well as two step-children, Russell Neville and Cory Talbott; and six grandchildren, along with a host of other family and friends. John will be remembered for his remarkable achievements in skiing, the joy he found in travel, his ability to build and ”fix anything” skills and the love for his family. He will continue to inspire all those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will happen at a later date, and details will be announced.