Darol Damm was a tough, determined, and compassionate man who was loved and respected by his many friends and family. He passed away on May 27.Darol grew up in Klamath, Calif., and graduated from College of the Redwoods. He was proud of his years as a timber faller for Arcata Redwood Company. Darol and his timber falling partner, Corky Whitaker, carved out the pass-through for Klamath’s now-famous Tour Thru Tree.When the timber industry closed, Darol started the Damm Drifter Guide Service, where he fished for salmon, trout and steelhead in California, Oregon, and Alaska.In the mid-1980s, he opened his very successful Damm Drifter Tackle Shop in Klamath.After several years as a guide, Darol joined the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a correctional officer at Pelican Bay State Prison. He retired from Eel River Conservation Camp after more than two decades as a correctional officer. While at Pelican Bay, Darol received the State Employee Medal of Valor Award.Darol was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He caught trophy salmon, halibut, and steelhead, and he had countless memorable fishing trips on the Klamath River with good friends. Darol is mentioned in Boone and Crockett for blacktail deer, and he was a trap shooter and past president of Humboldt Trap and Skeet Club.In retirement, Darol had great times duck hunting with his pals Tom and Bob Langford. He enjoyed traveling to sprint boat races and rodeos, and RV traveling around the Southwest with his wife Kathleen. Most recently, Darol enjoyed spending winter months exploring the desert and getting together with friends at his winter home in Arizona.Darol leaves his devoted wife, Kathleen Damm; loving aunts, Judy Del Ponte, and Rena Tryon; sister Maurya Smith Huff (Monte Huff); daughter Jeanie Stilwell (Troy Stilwell); son Andy Ostrem (Hannah Norman); grandaughters Chantal Stilwell, Olivia Stilwell and Alex Ostrem; great grandchildren Yaz, Mila, Palmer and Gwendolyn; nephews Larry Smith and Lance Smith; and his cousins and their families.Even in his final days, Darol never lost his renowned firm handshake. He was the epitome of a good, strong man, and will always be remembered as such.His ashes will be scattered according to his wishes by his two pals. To plant a tree in memory of Darol Damm as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });