Michael R. Darder

Michael "Mike" Ronald Darder, of Long Eddy, NY, a lifelong resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He was 69.

The son of Ronald and Marion (Milk) Darder, Mike was born on September 26, 1956, in Callicoon, NY. He attended Holy Cross Catholic School in Callicoon until the ninth grade, before continuing his education at Delaware Valley Central School. Mike spent 30 years with the New York State Department of Transportation, stationed in Hancock, beginning his career in maintenance and eventually achieving the position of supervisor before his retirement.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a deeply loved uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend to many. Those who knew him will remember his warm smile, quick wit, infectious laugh, impressive dance moves, and his signature cowboy hat with a feather. Mike and Kim spent 48 years together as best friends and partners, sharing countless adventures as well as quiet evenings in the home they envisioned and faithfully handcrafted together with the help of family and friends.

Where others saw a field, Mike saw the future home of his family. Where others saw a swamp, he imagined Paradise Pond. Together, Mike and Kim designed and built a comfortable log cabin for family and friends to enjoy-a dream brought to life with the help of cousin Buddy and Son Forest.

A former owner of Red Fox Taxidermy in Hancock, NY, Mike was a prolific artist known for his scenic sketches of nature and wildlife. He took great pride in his taxidermy work, and his skill and love of woodworking grace many homes of loved ones and friends, where they will be cherished forever. However, Mike's true passions were hunting, fishing with his wife, and trapping. He spent many days in the woods-sometimes with his brother, sometimes alone, and often with friends-but took the greatest pride in teaching his craft to future generations, especially his grandchildren.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Marion Darder; his brothers, Danny and Tim Darder; and his brother-in-law, Paul Gillow. He is survived by his wife, Kim Darder; his children, Forest (Courtney) Darder, Autumn (Kyle) Thomas, and Orion (Brittany) Darder; his grandchildren, Grace Darder, Jack Darder, Rose Darder, Levi Darder, Liam Darder, James Thomas, Mia Thomas, and Michael Thomas; his sister, Rhonda Gillow; and his sister-in-law, Debbie Darder.

Mike devoted his life to nurturing growth-through conservation, forestry, and the love and joy he shared so freely with others. In his memory, he would encourage you to plant a tree of remembrance, offering peace and life to those who follow.

Services will be held Sunday, February 15th at Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel in Hancock, NY. Visitation from 11am to 2pm, Funeral from 2pm to 3pm, and a gathering in Mike's remembrance at the Hancock House to follow.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.