COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Donald Marcure, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 83, was not only an accomplished archer but also a former president of the National Archery Association (NAA), now USA Archery.
Don and his twin sister Donna were born in Rhode Island on St. Patrick's Day, 1943. Both joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961. Don served as a fueling specialist during the Vietnam War from 1961-65. During their time in the Air Force, and having only seen one another for a total of four hours over the previous two years, the twins were reunited in a surprise feature on the popular television game show, 'Truth or Consequences'.
Though he enjoyed swimming and golf, Don's true passion was archery, which allowed him to travel the world. As well as an athlete and administrator, he was also a certified National Judge and International Judge. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Don was the Director of Shooting and he also led various U.S. teams at international events.
Such was the regard in which Don was held that in 2010 World Archery bestowed upon him the honorary title of Judge Emeritus.
His friend of more than 50 years, Steve Lieberman, said, “Don loved the sport of archery above all other sports he participated in over his lifetime. He loved not only the shooting but volunteering his time to the administrative aspects as well.
“He gave selflessly of his time and energy to the growth of the sport through his service to the National Archery Association, the National Archery Association Foundation, and FITA (now World Archery). He had friends from all over the country and all around the world, had a wicked sense of humor and was quite the practical joker.”
Steve added, “He lit up every venue and room he entered with his smile and laugh.”
Among the many U.S. teams managed by Don was the one which attended the 1987 World Archery Championships in Adelaide, Australia at which Jay Barrs claimed individual bronze.
“Those of us who have been in archery long enough to have known Don, will know that archery has lost a great deal with his passing,” Barrs said.
“I was fortunate enough to have known him in the many roles he found in archery. He was a competitor, Team Manager, International Judge, NAA Board member and NAA President.
“Regardless of the role he was fulfilling at the time, his love for archery and desire to make it a better sport for everyone - from beginners to international champions - was undeniable.”
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