Arlee Fire Department loses chief to cancer
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Folks from all over gathered Friday for a fundraiser to support Volunteer Fire Chief Don Henderson in his battle with cancer, but he passed away Saturday morning after the benefit in a Seattle hospital.
“The money raised is going to help his family with funeral expenses,” said Dane Morigeau, information officer for the Arlee Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department.
Doctors discovered Henderson had the early stages of leukemia in 2011.
“He went through treatment for three years,” said Don’s daughter Shanna Henderson. “On December 31, 2014, he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. His body just couldn’t keep it at bay anymore, but he is such an awesome fighter.”
Don graduated from Arlee High School in 1978 after growing up in Arlee. He went on to find work in the Wyoming oil fields and eventually moved to Missoula where he found a job at a chemical factory.
“We originally thought his cancer was related to his work but the doctors said it was genetic,” Shanna said.
Don also volunteered with the East Missoula Rural Fire Department for about two decades. He moved back to Arlee seven years ago and volunteered at the Arlee Fire Department.
“A few years ago they needed a chief,” Shanna said. “Even though he was sick, he stepped up to do it. He was a great father and spent time with us, but he also spent a lot of time with his other families at the fire departments — but we understood. We knew how important he was, especially when we saw an accident or a fire.”
Emergency Medical Technician Katie Parson often worked beside Don during emergencies.
“He never treated me like I was the girl on the crew,” she said. “He was a leader. He could explain things without lecturing. It’s hard to put into words what an amazing person he is. We had this fundraiser to support his family. He has medical insurance, but everyone wanted a chance to help like he has always helped everyone.”
Members of the Polson Volunteer Fire Department attended the benefit to give support, noting that small rural communities often come together during times of need.
Arlee Volunteer Firefighter Paige Carney remembered helping Don repair one of the water trucks.
“It took us three days to repair it, but I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “He is a great friend. We are missing our core without him.”
The department decided not to appoint a new chief while Don was in the hospital for treatment. He came back home in between treatments in the past few years and often felt well enough to work with the crew until the cancer advanced in December.
“People have stepped up so we are getting things done,” Volunteer Firefighter Keith Barrows said. “But we just didn’t want to appoint a new chief.”
EMT Samantha Morigeau-Donaldson said in a text message on Saturday that the chief will be missed.
“He could see the potential in people and had the ability to help them to realize it as well, and then he would make time to help them grow and develop their capabilities,” she said. “Donnie was a rare man. His patience was incredible and one of the many things he tried to pass on to me, and others, in training. He was loved by many and will always be part of our family.”
