Kim Dandurand, 66

Kim A. Dandurand

(1954-2021)

Kim Dandurand (affectionately referred to as Kimmer by his father) was born in Marshall, Minn., on Dec. 11, 1954. He often described his young childhood as a “Huck Finn” type of life. During the early years he developed his love of fishing, camping, and exploring new things and places. Kim was from a large family, including five brothers and three sisters.

The family relocated to Portland, Ore., where Kim’s life changed dramatically. He left home at the age of 15, learning his first trade as a certified welder. Kim was an entrepreneur by nature with a continuing desire to learn new trades. He became a contractor in California before moving to Idaho.

His natural woodworking talent later led him to found and operate Idaho Woodworks Inc., which sold custom cutting boards that were designed and patented by him in the early 1990s. During this time, he experienced great success, before selling the company to General Housewares.

Over the next 25 years Kim dedicated his life to his new company, Aulterra Global LLC. This was an adventure and passion — one that he was the proudest. He would often say he was born to bring these products into existence, helping to create a safer and better future in the age of technology.

Kim traveled the world speaking and educating others about Aulterra products and the need for them. He was considered an expert in his field and was sought after for speaking engagements, traveling around the globe to share his knowledge.

His deepest connection in his travels was Iona, a small island off the coast of Scotland. He felt peace and spiritual connection in the time he spent there.

Throughout his life, Kim mentored and was mentored by many, many people. He sought spiritual enlightenment from what seemed like a limitless roster of world-renowned influencers and leaders. He used to say that he could support someone else’s belief system without devaluing his own.

Those who knew him best and loved him most, knew the many characteristics of Kim intimately. He had a way of cultivating special relationships with everyone in his life. In this way, it’s possible that none of us knew Kim in the same way.

He was a spiritual man who played many roles throughout the course of his journey and each with the same intensity and ferocity. The Santa Claus sparkle in his bright blue eyes was mystical and his megawatt smile was simply magic. Likely, the most intense and mysterious person anyone who knew him ever met, he was truly one of a kind.

Kim was a fiercely devout father and grandfather which brought him overwhelming joy and pride. Few memories brought him greater joy than teaching his grandchildren to fish. “When I take them fishing, I don’t fish.” It was about teaching them and relishing the experience.

Kim loved and cherished eight children, 25 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

On May 13, 2021, Kim A Dandurand, at the age of 66, died of natural causes at his home in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Kim was a true visionary, seeing the world as it should be, not as it was. In the absence of his physical presence in our daily lives, let us cherish the good times, pass on the lessons he taught us, and carry his vibrant spirit with us, until we meet again.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a reception following. Please visit Kim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com