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Thomas Maxwell Kohler
Thomas Maxwell Kohler
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Tom grew up in Petaluma. The son of Maxwell and Mary Kohler, he was in the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees ("We Build, We Fight") for eight years. He married Beverly Aichino in 1961. They had two children. Tom lived the majority of his adult life in Humboldt County along with a few years in Etna.
Tom was a Journeyman carpenter and worked for Pacific Bell. He was a master craftsman leather worker. Tom won the Ford Industrial Arts Award for Leather Crafting, as well as winning many ribbons at the California State Fair.
In 1962, he began working for CalFire. He was stationed in Healdsburg, Whitethorn and Garberville as a Firefighter, and later was Captain of the Mattole Valley Station in Honeydew. He retired from the State in 1991 with 30 years of exemplary service. Tom was hardworking, conscientious and respected by both his employees and superiors.
He was also a kind, patient, loving, selfless man who loved his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor. A friend to all, Tom never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Bev; their children Maxwell Kohler and Michele Burley (Jesse) of Fortuna; grandchildren James Goff (Brittney Timmerman) of Rio Dell, Jessica Lonbeck (Daniel) of Salem, Oregon, Leah, Dylan, Jordan and Rose Burley of Fortuna, Max Kohler of Lewiston, Idaho; twelve great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Laura Gilmore (Allen) of Roseville and RoseMary (Roy) Jensen of Petaluma.
Tom will be missed tremendously and in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 12 Noon
Mattole Grange, 36512 Mattole Rd., Petrolia CA
Please bring your favorite potluck. Main course will be provided.
Please RSVP by texting 707-656-6836 by 3/22
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of your local Volunteer Fire Departments.
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Cathy Rutledge
March 16, 2025
Tom was a special to me. He was my first Captain out in Mattole and I learned a lot from him. Not only firefighting, but life in general. He and Bev were terrific! We played Canasta and other card games at the station. What wonderful memories I had with Bev and Tom. They even baby sat my dog for a season of fire fighting! Bless their hearts. Rest in peace, my friend.
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560 12th Street, Fortuna, CA 95540
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