Michael Brett Hagadorn

South Glens Falls -- Michael Brett Hagadorn, 59, of Fairview Street Extension, South Glens Falls, and formerly of Chestertown, passed away Wednesday morning, April 5, 2006, at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness, while his son and former spouse remained by his side.

Born Feb. 5, 1947, in Albany, he was the son of the late Norman Francis and Marie Regina (Platt) Hagadorn.

Following graduation from Saratoga High School, Class of 1964, Mike enrolled in the New York State Ranger School at Wanakena becoming a New York State Region 5 Forest Ranger in 1966.

On Aug. 11, 1966, Mike was drafted into the United States Army serving his country in Vietnam as a full-time point-man/navigator being honorably discharged as an infantry combat veteran Aug. 9, 1968.

Returning to the North Country, Mike continued as a New York State Forest Ranger stationed out of Chestertown and Warrensburg, accumulating more than 30 years of dedicated service.

During this time, Mike continued serving his country in active duty earning two more honorable discharges both in 1972, and in 1978, and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for many years following. He also was a lifetime member with the NRA, and the Chestertown VFW Post No. 5513, past member of Chestertown American Legion Post No. 964, and the American MENSA Society since 1979.

Continuing his pursuit and passion for land navigation, Mike founded TALNI, The American Land Navigation Institute, consulting and training thousands of students over his 30 year career to local and state law enforcement, as well as to the U.S. military.

Contracted by the U.S. Army Research Institute, he was the only civilian among six nationally recognized experts asked to contribute his navigational expertise.

He also was renowned for his many articles written on orienteering published throughout the country, and in local magazines such as The Bark Eater.

Known as "The man who knows his way around," Mike has formulated and taught land navigation courses to the New York State Police Academy, the State Police SWAT teams stationed at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, Corrections Emergency Response Teams at State Correctional Facilities, the New York State Division for Youth, the New York State Outdoor Education Association, and various other groups.

He also was the author of the navigation chapter of the Search and Rescue Manual used by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and has helped to update changes in the Army's Field Manual Map Reading, considered to be the military "Bible" on the use of map and compass.

On a more personal note, Mike will always be remembered for his willingness to help those in need and his unique sense of humor. Mike was also an aspiring private pilot with a passion for aviation. He is will remembered in letters of thanks from hundreds of lost-person searches, forest fires and personal contributions to the community.

Whenever Mike had the chance, he did take time to enjoy all aspects of the Adirondack Region with his son by hunting, fishing, shooting, camping and hiking.

Survivors include his devoted son, Brett A. Hagadorn and his wife, Laura, and their two daughters, all of North Creek; his former spouse and the mother of his son, Mary Weaver of Lake George; also his former spouse who remained by his side at the end, Colleen Hagadorn of Queensbury; one brother, Larry Hagadorn of Florida; and many dear friends, colleagues, co-workers, and fellow veterans.

Friends may call on the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

Fellow New York State Forest Rangers will stand guard during all the calling hours, while Chestertown VFW Post No. 5513 and the Chestertown American Legion Post No. 964 will join the Rangers by standing guard during the evening session of the calling hours, and will perform a brief service at 7 p.m. during the hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 10, at Our Lady of Annunciation, Aviation Road, Queensbury, with the Rev. Joseph Busch, pastor, officiating.

Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville with bagpiper, Gerald Cashion, also accompanying.

Donations, in loving memory of Mike, may be made to Xavier Society for the Blind, 154 East 23 St., New York, NY, 10010, or to a charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be e-mailed to www.bakerfuneralhome.com, or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY, 12804.