MEMBER SINCE 02-02-2016
GUIDE SINCE 2018
On April 16, 2026, 17 Club members guided by Kathryn Madore hiked Watson Lake on the final day of the Prescott trip. Seemingly just another completed hike for the trekkers, the rest of the day most likely would include lunch, sightseeing, dinner, and packing for the trip home.
However, there was a special significance to this hike as it marked the end of an eight-year span of time that Kathryn Madore served the club as an elite Guide. It was most likely an emotional day for her, no doubt, with countless memories of her time over scores of hikes probably flashing through her mind. Just the day before, she single-handedly led two separate walks in the downtown Prescott historic district, her last time as a Tour Guide for the Club.
As a participant in that hike and her last tour, it would have been easy to just let the events pass and go on to other things in the ensuing weeks, but this presented an opportunity for me to recognize a person who has unselfishly provided a priceless service to the Club and asked for nothing in return. Such is the case with so many of the Club’s volunteers - those who have served in the past, and those who are serving now. So, I decided to share Kathryn’s story with her fellow members.
Beginnings
Kathryn lived most of her life in New England. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in marketing and a Master’s degree in Philanthropy from Bay Path College (Massachusetts). Her career was initially in fashion merchandising and design and she worked in many high-profile corporations. The events of 9/11 profoundly affected what she wanted to do with her career, and she entered into the realm of philanthropy to fulfill her desire to help others. Upon retirement, Kathryn moved to SaddleBrooke in 2015 from Massachusetts, joining Jim Prager, the love of her life and a fellow worker early in their careers.
Kathryn joined the club on February 2, 2016. She recounts numerous fun and positive experiences, especially hikes with Marv Rossof who taught her many aspects of hiking in the desert. Two years later in 2018, Walt Shields asked about her interest in guiding. Responding in the affirmative, the guide training process started. Rob Simms subsequently helped coach her, and her first hike as a guide was Alamo Canyon on October 16, 2018 with Walt Shields.
Kathryn’s 1st Hike Guided (with Walt Shields)
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Alamo Canyon. Rating: D. Pace: Moderate [6, 08:00 AM, $2 + $2]. The hike begins at the Romero Ruins Trailhead in Catalina State Park. Other than one short area by the wash, the elevation change is gradual. This is a lovely hike up to Alamo Canyon Falls and return. Water may be present in the canyon after rainy periods, but there are no water crossings. Hikers will stop by the Romero Ruins and take the informative loop trail from there. Hike 3.3 miles; trailhead elevation 2700 feet; net elevation change 360 feet; accumulated gain 429 feet; RTD 24 miles. [Guide: Walt Shields, 404-8998, waltshields@mac.com.]
Over the Years
Kathryn guided countless hikes from 2018 to 2026, and it was never a job to her because she just enjoyed being around fellow hikers. She was emphatic that the people she interfaced with made all the difference, and said, “All hikes have a moment of magic and it is also the people you meet that make the hike rewarding.” Names she mentioned in conjunction with memorable moments, those who mentored her, and those who helped her with her innovations are fellow long-timers with the Club and include Walt & Tiggy Shields, Marv Rossof, Howie & Elaine Fagen, Elisabeth Wheeler, Karen Gray, Tim Butler, Susan Hollis, Randy Park, Rob Simms, Don Taylor, Susan Love, Mark Schwartz, Bruce & Carol Olson, Aaron Schoenberg, Michael Reale, Ruth Caldwell, Bruce Landeck, and Marc Humphrey.
Guiding local area hikes was not all she did. Club trips require many guides to make the event possible, and over the years, Kathryn has been a regular Trip Guide, most recently in Prescott. This is another level of service, requiring a sacrifice of time and expense in order to make the out-of-town trips even possible for the membership. Many guides make pre-trips to the destination to scout out the trails and determine viability for the members, and do research on the various trail options. Kathryn was no exception.
Her contributions not only included guiding regularly scheduled and trip hikes, but in playing a major role in planning, designing, and implementing most of the walks the Club offers today. Walt Shield’s Downtown Tucson Walk was the catalyst and model, and Kathryn developed the Mural Walk, the University of Arizona Walk, and the Barrio Walk with Jim Prager. She developed the Florence Walk based on an idea from Jean Reale. Most recently, Kathryn joined Nancy Reed in leading members on a tour of the Pima Air & Space Museum. All of this has added to the offerings of the Club and have proven to be very popular, more often than not resulting in wait lists for the events.
Close
When asked for advice she can provide to new members, Kathryn responded by saying that it’s important to volunteer and make a difference. She hopes that someone will come out and be inspired to take her place.
Many thanks to one of the great contributors to the success of our Club. Kathryn - may you enjoy a long and healthy retirement!