Daniel G. Williams, 88, timberman and local historian, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Aberdeen, Washington, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Bay City, Oregon on August 4, 1923, the son of George and Gwendolyn “Pat” Williams. A few years later, his family migrated to Aberdeen where Dan began his schooling, graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1941. After graduation he entered the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1942 to 1946 as a gunner in a SBD in the South Pacific during World War II.
Dan met his wife Elaine in California and they were married on April 28, 1946, in Washington D.C., following her discharge from the U.S. Navy. The young couple returned to the Northwest, where Dan enrolled at Washington State College. He graduated with a degree in Forestry, and also became a licensed professional land surveyor. In 1950, Dan went to work for Rayonier, Inc. and quickly rose to the position of head timber cruiser. After five years Dan moved over to Blagen’s as head of timber operations. He held this job until 1961, at which point he was lured back to Rayonier for another five year stint, this time as manager of the log sales department. In 1966, Dan bought Elmore Boom Co, a major west coast log exporter, and operated that business until 1975, at which point he semi-retired to return to his first love of timber cruising and surveying. From his early years he had looked at timber prospects with Werner Mayr, Jack Reynvaan, Don Bell, Francis Smith, Mike Tobin and other well known Harbor loggers, including his son Dave’s firm. It is a tribute to his reputation for integrity and expertise in cruising and surveying that all these men remained personal friends throughout his life.