Family, friends, community honor District Ranger Daniel Dill

Fortuna, Ca., (KIEM) Saturday an American flag flew low at the River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna as friends, family, community members, and officials came to together to honor the life of District Ranger Daniel “Dan” Dill.

Ranger Dan as most knew him passed away September 17 after a brief illness.

Dill started his forest service career back in 2008 where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist for the Mad River Ranger District.

In 2012, he went to the Lower Trinity/Orleans districts as the Deputy District Ranger. Three years later, Dill became the District Ranger at Mad River.

Dill was a local and grew up in Humboldt County. The dad of two graduated from Humboldt State University in 1995.

Saturday, loved ones recognized Dill as a gentle giant who will forever be in their hearts.

“My dad was big in every sense of the word,” said Dill’s eldest daughter. “Not just physically but his personality was big, his voice, his humor, and his character. Growing up I always thought he was so fearless. He wasn’t afraid of anything.”

Dill leaves behind his wife Dawn, two daughters, Ava and Emily, as well as his parents and older brother Brett.