Harm David Troff, Sr.

Harm David Troff, Sr., 79, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by his loving family.

Harm suffered an acute complication related to chronic COPD and lung cancer. He spent the weekend entertaining his family and caregivers while his children, their spouses and several grandchildren arrived from places as far-flung as Michigan, where Harm was born and still has many family and friends. When everyone had arrived and Harm had watched one of his granddaughters get married by Facetime, he quietly slipped away.

Harm was born March 6, 1940 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Joe Troff and Jessie Belva Walker. Joe passed away soon after Harm’s birth and he was raised by his Mom and Dad, Jessie and David McClendon.  At seventeen, he joined the Army National Guard and served two years’ active duty, followed by 4 years as a reservist. Harm enjoyed the variety of multiple careers, from breaking horses as a cowboy youth to trucker/mechanic to working in a pickle factory. He finally retired from a 20-year career as a property maintenance supervisor.  Harm married Marilyn (“Mo”) Darling on June 6, 1987 and they spent 32 loving years as each others’ soulmates.  Harm enjoyed fishing, his eagle collection, spending time with family, search-a-word puzzles, wood-working, sucking eyeballs, horseback riding, western movies and cop shows. He could also spin a great yarn. Even if his “fish stories” seemed to grow a bit over the years, he had a memory for the smallest detail from his earliest days.  He never met a stranger and would give anyone the shirt off his back.

Harm is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and David McClendon and Joe Troff; his sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and George Channells; his sister and brother-in-law, Minnie and Ray Gordon; his sister, Sharon Blankenship; his brother-in-law, Ernie Johnson; and an infant brother.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mo Troff; his daughter, Eileen Street; his daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Don Phillips; his son, Harm Troff, Jr.; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Karen Rood; his daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Mark Arnold; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Kelly Troff; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Sheri Troff; his sister, Shirley Johnson; eighteen grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; his beloved dog, Ralf; and many, many friends.  

The family would like to thank Nurse Andy for seeing Harm through his final passage with care, kindness and humor.  Those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider the American Cancer Society.  

In accordance with Harm’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Harm’s life will be held at Celebration Baptist Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at a later date.