Theodore Mack

Theodore Durham “Ted” Mack, age 83, died on Monday October 30, 2023 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. NY.

Ted was born in Glens Falls, NY on December 27, 1939. He was the son of Richard and Doris (Kirch) Mack.

Ted grew up on the outskirts of Troy, NY where his parents taught him many of the skills of living off the land, from harvesting nuts and berries to the making of applesauce as well as hunting and fishing.

Ted graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1958 and then attended Paul Smith’s College where he graduated in 1960. He then worked seasonally for the U.S. Forest Service out of Avery, Idaho from 1960 to 1964 where he ran a trail crew working in a remote area in order to earn money to attend Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, from which he received his B.A. degree in 1964. He then earned his Master of Library Science Degree in 1965 from the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Ted married Catherine (Lindsay) Mack in 1965 and began work at the main library in Rochester, NY where he eventually was to become head of the science department. An opening became available for a librarian at Paul Smith’s College which he accepted. Here he remained until retirement in January 2005. While employed at the college he shared his love of natural history of the world as well as the Adirondack’s with students and faculty. He was head of the outing club for 12 years as well as taking part in other volunteer work. He especially felt blessed to be able to help both students and faculty meet their needs with library materials. His natural history knowledge was especially useful in these endeavors.

Ted travelled widely in his love of birds and was the “Go to person” for natural history information from frogs and minnows to birds and wild flowers.

Ted is survived by Catherine Mack, as well as two cousins: Katrina Martin of Cortland, NY and Kristen Patton of Chaumont, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. At Ted’s request, all funeral services will be private and at the convenience of family and friends.

Family and friends wishing to remember Theodore Durham “Ted” Mack, may make memorial contributions to the “Nature Conservancy” in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Family and friends can also share a memory, send a condolence and sign the on-line guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.