The Forestry Forum

It is with the deepest of heart that we have to let members of the Forestry Forum know that we have lost a cornerstone of our family.  Danny Hamsley - WDH - passed away yesterday, September 21, 2022.  At this time we don't have a lot of information about what happened other than to know that he was working at his mill, doing what he loved, when he died.  This does not appear to be any type of sawmill accident, rather a medical issue.    

Danny's contribution to the Forum, many of our members, the timber industry, and the sawmill world has been enormous.  His "passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark" is an understatement for the knowledge and understanding of what he possessed.  Among other things Danny was quite the musician and absolutely dedicated to his wife Ann.  

Right now we don't have more information to pass along, but will do so when it's available.  Member RefHawk is Danny's younger brother.  Please respect the families privacy during this time of loss but I am certain they would appreciate hearing from members who wish to reach out and pass along their condolences and messages of memories.  

Thank you Jim, Southside, for writing this up for us. Tammy and I are heart broken. Danny meant so,so much to us. He was our family.

That is sad and shocking news. RIP Danny. Thoughts and prayers for the family. 

Danny was a forester's forester, few like him, and fewer more will there be.  A good and gentle man gone.   

Oh no. That is so sad to hear.
But glad he went the way I want to go when my time is up.
Yes, he will be missed. 
That guy could ID a tree with his eyes closed.

Very sorry to hear this. Praying for his family. 

Very Sad to Hear 

So sorry to hear about Danny's death.  I met him at Jake's and enjoyed Danny's knowledge, sincerity and humor.  

May God be with all of his family and friends. 

  :(  So sad to hear.  Reminds you life is short and doing what makes you happy is so important.

This breaks my heart! Danny was one of my favorite members, and one I hoped to meet someday😢

  I am so sorry to hear this and my most sincere thoughts go out to his family.

  I never met Danny in person but several years ago we were talking about boiled peanuts somewhere here on the forum and the next thing I knew UPS showed up at my door with a big bag of green peanuts that Danny had sent and I promptly set about boiling and eating. I think I sent a quart of local WV maple syrup back in the same box and I have considered Danny a dear friend ever since.

  Go Dawgs, Danny. We miss you. :(

I am in absolute shock. I learned of his passing earlier this morning. I'm going to make a run over this afternoon to see if I can help with the kiln or anything else that might need doing. I'm certainly going to miss my dear FRIEND. RIP BIG WORDS.

Very sorry to hear this. Thoughts and condolences to his friends and family. He will be greatly missed. :(

WDH was a Champion among Champions.  No words can express how Danny touched our lives and the memories of the times that we shared will continue to live with us forever. 

Rest in Peace Dear Friend,  Lynn, PatD, & Marty

Rest In Peace Brother. Never thought the phone call the other week would be the last time we would talk.
Gonna miss you Dano. Until I see you again.

 :'( 
I met him at Jake's 2019. I brought a small piece of old softwood to show him. He was very interested to look at it. I enjoyed listening to his music on Jake's porch. And all his posts and humor. Very sad news wish his family the best.

I have been in shock over this since I heard about it a while before it hit the forum. I still don't know what to say. My feelings and sorrow go out to his family, but we here on the forum who have gotten to know him over the years and depended on his wisdom will also be feeling the loss for a long time. A man whose great sense of humor was only exceeded by his knowledge, and more importantly, his willingness to take time and share both.
 We never met in person, but I will always remember that sign at the last pig roast reminding us he was there in spirit. I hope you still have that sign Jeff.
 Yeah, I still don't know what to say. This is a tough blow for everyone. Rest well in Eternal Peace Danny, y'all done well.

Never met the man but enjoyed all his knowledge that he shared on the Forestry Forum here. I'm shocked like everyone else. He will be greatly missed here !!!! Thoughts and prayers for him and his family. 

Those of us who met him were very lucky to have him in our lives if even for only a few minutes. Those who didn't missed an opportunity to meet a true gentleman and scholar, he shared not only his knowledge but his warmth and good nature.

I spoke with him just a couple days ago. Can't believe that was to be the last time.

Danny came up to my Tennessee property years ago and dragged me [walking] all over the 133 acres never using a trail to inspect my trees and educate me.  Mr Big Words about wore me out.
He built me a bench which  I cherish.

Danny was a kind, caring man.
Going to miss him.
RIP my Friend.

Wow,,,,,, this is a shock. I never met him in person, but he has helped me with so much with questions, answers, humor and the sawmill life, he will be greatly missed. Thank-you for everything Danny, see you later. 

This is terrible and shocking news.  Danny was my good friend, and friend and respected by all. He helped everybody, always, and went above and beyond.  He was the guy we all could count on for advice, friendship and guidance.

We were texting yesterday afternoon and everything was fine, then the news came, a total shock...Rest In Peace, Danny.

Beyond tragic...    

Shocked and very sad.  Just a few weeks ago we exchanged PM's and had a phone conversation about a new countertop Danny was making for his daughter.

RIP my friend.

Wow, I am shocked and saddened. We never met in person but I always enjoyed his posts and learned from his wisdom. 

Wow, this is awful news.

I hope his family can find peace. 

Thanks for letting us know, I immensely enjoyed conversations with Danny at the pigroasts. 

The wife and I stopped in at Danny's on our way to Jakes in either '18 or '19 I can't remember which year.
I had a maple tree close to the road that I knew was going to be trimmed slightly above ground level for the widening of the road.  So as an experiment I tapped it in the spring and after the contractor trimmed it I put the log on the mill with the tap hole vertical and took slices of either 1/4 or 3/8 inch thick marking each piece and taking pictures.
We brought these slices of maple with us and showed Danny how a tap affects the wood in a maple tree and the discoloration of the wood for a length both above and below the tap hole.  He told me I was the largest ambrosia beetle he had ever seen.  I got the impression he had never seen that before and was intrigued.  I left the samples with him to do as he pleased with them. 
Danny I was not offended by your beetle comment and I wish you eternal peace.

RIP Danny. You will be missed big time. 

I'm so saddened to hear that Danny has passed away.  I first knew of Danny over at Lumberjocks woodworking site and then of course ran into him again here at the Forestry Forum.  I don't remember when I first got his phone number, but I texted him often about wood ID and questions in general and he always gave me the best advice and assured me that I should ask him any questions I had.  I will miss him very much.  Rest in peace my friend.

I am truly sad to hear this new. I never met him in person but he messaged me with help on a problem I had years ago. He was a true friend. His family will be in my thoughts, Brian

RIP my friend. You will be missed

Danny was truly the best that the Forum had to offer. Immensely knowledgeable but humble, humorous, and wise. I respected his opinions very much, and he was the last word on any tree ID. That's not even touching on his former life as a procurement forester. 

 It's a small world in the forestry and logging community. A friend I have that worked in middle Georgia contract cut for a fellow, who did a lot of work for Danny when he was a procurement forester. My friend has been back up here logging for quite some time, he was thinning pine the other day and told me he hoped the forester showed up pretty soon to do some plots to check the basal area. I told him, "Danny down in Georgia swears by thinning that pine hard. Take it down and let him tell you to lighten up if he doesn't like it." If the Itasca County forester showed up to a job that was thinned to a BA of 70, I'd tip my hat to Danny😉

This is very sad news.

I met Danny at my first pig roast right off the bat he talked to me like I was a life long friend I will miss him  :( 

Dang....

I always check out a WDH post, it is going to be very informational or very funny or both. He is going to be sadly missed here but I can't imagine what it is going to be like at his home.

This is very sad news indeed. Man, you just never know when things are going to come to a screeching halt. I will miss him and his wisdom immensely. He was a fine man to have known all these years. I saw him 3 times at the pig roasts. I know everyone that got to know him is going to miss him a bunch.

He had just posted about his beautiful dog he loved. That pup is really going to miss him

Yesterday morning he posted about finish for a table.  I just saw that I had asked him how the finish holds up to wet glasses on the water based finish.  Sadly, he is never going to answer.

I am stunned and greatly saddened to learn of Danny's passing.

Heaven has gained a good man.  We are all richer for having known him, yet poorer for his loss.

RIP my friend.

Scott

Ouch! This is sad news to hear. smiley_cry

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I was fortunate enough to meet Danny, and play music with him at the 2019 Pig Roast. We had fun that weekend, we'd never met or played before, but became friends right off. He sat across from me and just watched what chords I played, then accompanied on the bass. He was one of the best players I've known. He couldn't make it to the Pig Roast in 2021, but emailed me that he wanted to play again in the future, and work on some songs together. He will be missed, as a musician, a moderator, a walking encyclopedia of wood knowledge, and most of all as a friend. Rest in peace Danny.

Will the circle, be unbroken,
By and by Lord, by and by
There's a better, home awaiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky. smiley_guitarist

Every time I opened up a unique log on my mill Danny was the first one to see it before anyone else. We shared pics back and forth via text over the years of our good finds. If I came across a nice log I would always share it with him and he did the same with me. 
A funny story of sorts, I would sometimes send him a bark or leaf pic when I had trouble identifying a log/tree. He would sometimes reply with a paragraph of information and a scientific name that went over my head. I would then reply, "Danny is it cherry or not?"  

I am grateful to have known him and that I got to see him again this year at @customsawyer (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1861)  place. His knowledge and passion for wood is un matched. I will miss him very much. I could go on and on about him.... 

I'm shocked and saddened to hear this.
He will be missed by many.
Condolences to his family and friends. 
I wanted so much to meet him a Jake's or the Pig roast at some point.
RIP Sir

I am truly saddened to hear this.  Danny was a great person in all respects.   I always looked forward to talking with him at the pig roasts and other gatherings.
I will miss him very much.

My heart is broken into so so many pieces!! I looked forward to his HUGE HUGE hugs that would pick me right up off the ground and squeeze so tight every year at the annual Pig Roast!!! He was the sweetest kindest man that I have had the honor of meeting! I would most definitely call him family!! You will be missed by so very many people!! May you rest easy!! 

If there is anything that myself or the rest of the Forum Family can do please do not hesitate to reach out!! I am really at a loss for words!!! So sorry to all!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Stacy

How fragile life is.  Much sadness.

I'm beyond words.  Danny is one of the reasons I joined here.  He used to be very active on Lumberjocks and his insight was unbelievable, he just seemed to know everything.  He helped me tremendously when I was searching for my first mill and helped not only myself but everyone else in quickly identifying any species of wood, always instantly for anything that grew in the south east.  Even though I never got to meet him in person, he will be dearly missed.

very sad, and way too soon.  he was a gentleman and a scholar.  He cared for all those around him.  was kind and gentle.  I am glad my wife got to meet him at Jakes.  Godspeed Danny.

He was active here just yesterday too.  I regret not earlier taking a look at his gallery, WOW!  What a bunch of beautiful wood.  Does anyone know if there's a plan of sucession for Hamsley Hardwoods?  I think I've seen the same young man that might(?) be his son in a few of the pictures.  Is there a way to find the post attached to a particular picture in someone's gallery to bring a little context to what's going on?

A happier time:  Sawing Walnut with Danny (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=80057.msg1456188#msg1456188) , Danny's Reply (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=80057.msg1456295#msg1456295) , and Delivering Danny's Walnut (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=80057.msg1458083#msg1458083)

Seldom am I at a loss for words, but I can say nothing that could describe how I feel right now. 

I didn't see this till I got home, I have been going over to Danny's for a few years now and over the past two years he's been kind enough to let me come over and give him a hand and teach me more than I ever expected about milling. This spring I told him my interest in tree identification cause he not only got me interested in milling, but wanting to learn how to identify trees like he was able to. He showed me a book that was co-authored by one of his teachers when he was in school learning and I immediately went out ant got myself a copy to help learn. He told me he'd start taking me around his place whenever I'd come over after that to help get practice identifying. Unfortunately, I have had a busy summer and was only able to make it out there one more time since then for getting quizzed on.

It has been the biggest honor to get to know Danny and learn from a treasure trove of knowledge, but even more than that it was an honor to be able to call him a friend, although he would introduce me as his apprentice anytime someone would stop by while I was there helping and learning. I will miss him more than I can put into words!

Rest in peace Danny, you will be greatly missed.
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Hated to hear this bad news.Although I never met him he answered several questions I posted no matter how trivial they probably seemed to a man with his knowledge.He was one of many on this forum I was hoping to meet.I've heard that you are never truly gone until the last man speaks your name.I would say that his will be spoken for many years to come.

I went by there this afternoon. I thought I would share with y'all that Danny had just finished off a load of black walnut and probably had pictures in his head of how pretty it was going to be coming out of the planer. He was doing what he loved and he died with his boots on. I will be making many more trips over there helping the family in any way that I possibly can. There is no way I can express how it feels. One side of me is humbled and honored to be there for my friend and his family in their time of need. The other side of me is angry because I miss my friend and he is gone to soon. I'm sure there are many on here that wish they was close enough to be able to help. So if you think of something that I can do please don't hesitate to send me a PM or whatever and let me know.
There is no details of the services at this time.

Quote from: bigblockyeti on September 22, 2022, 05:34:11 PM
He was active here just yesterday too.  I regret not earlier taking a look at his gallery, WOW!  What a bunch of beautiful wood.  Does anyone know if there's a plan of sucession for Hamsley Hardwoods?  I think I've seen the same young man that might(?) be his son in a few of the pictures.  Is there a way to find the post attached to a particular picture in someone's gallery to bring a little context to what's going on?

BBY:
If my memory/recall is correct I believe he said he had 3 daughters.  The picture might be one of his SIL.
GAB

 Jake, like you say he died with his boots on doing what he loved. That's as much as many of us can hope for.

 It's amazing but not in the least surprising, to see all of the comments by folks that he took some time to mentor, educate, and just be a kind person to.  

Wow, I can't believe this. I am saddened by this post.  When I first joined  the forestry forum Danny always took the time share his knowledge  of sawing to help get  me started with my new little mill. I never met him but feel like he was part of my family the way he was always there with advice when I was in need. So glad he was doing what he loved when he was taken from us. Rest in peace  Danny. 

Jake you are right in that there are a lot of us that would like to be available to help the family but are too far away. Thank you for representing the FF family in this meaningful way. If there is any way any of use can assist you in that effort, let us know.
 I am so sorry you have lost a good friend. I do hope you let the family know that all here are shaken by this loss. Perhaps share this thread somehow.
 It's a testament to the man to see the comments here and see how many lives he touched in this circle alone, and there were many more circles for him.
 I still can't believe it.

Oh what tragic news!
I've met Danny a few times, even though we lived thousands of miles apart. He referred, affectionately, to all of us northerners as the "glaciated folks". As has been said, he was a gentleman and a scholar, and I will miss him sorely.
Danny's interests and expertise went the full range. He knew how to match the genetic strains of SYP seedlings to the soil types of his tree plantations. As a Forrester he knew how to nurture his patch of this green earth to maximize the benefit of growing a forest. Milling, drying, and woodworking. He mastered them all, yet came across as a gentle, kind and sharing gentleman. He was of the Head Master of the 'southern troika': Robert Milton (YH), Jake Dean (CS) and Danny Hamsley (WDH) were the three amigos. I wish I had lived closer.
I may never be able to think of a planer without thinking of Danny's experience with the media - his cringeworthy 'wood smoother' moment of being mis-quoted.
.
Danny, you enhanced the lives of all that knew you, on-line or in-person.
.
 Rest In Peace!

You will always be at the top center of the bell curve my friend. It was a pleasure meeting you. Smooth sailing, Rob

This sucks, I'm glad he was doing what he enjoyed when he left us behind....

I never got to meet you Danny, you obviously were intelligent, patient and kind. Especially  to folks new here with questions. You took the time to answer mine and I appreciated it.  I will miss your humor and your knowledge this forum will miss you greatly..  Prayers to your family and for  your close friends here. Godspeed....

Pat

I am at a total a loss for words. All I can muster is Godspeed my dear friend.

So sorry to hear. Praying for Danny's family.

danny was a kool guy very smart about alot of things, i am glad that i could call him my friend , i am just in shock since i heard the news,  he was just a great person 

So sorry to hear this!
I first met Danny at Jake's a few years ago. He was a very nice and knowledgeable forum member.

RIP

@Andries (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=9307) 
The Three Amigos comment hits home.  I remember years ago Danny, Jake and I were doing some tongue in cheek texting and the Three Amigos subject came up.  So I did a quick web search and I sent a short video clip or two of the movie scenes that everybody laughs at, like the Cactus and the hands on hip kind of scenes.  Then we started trying to decide which one of us was who, and I don't think we ever figured it out, but it was fun trying to link our personalities to the characters.  

I also remember when I first joined this Forum, I really avoided these things, I disliked the content and juvenileness of other typical Forums.  I finally posted something, dipped my toe in the water so to speak.  Danny responded with a compliment and words of wisdom to a new guy.  I remember thinking that if he is a representative of the knowledge, respect and professionalism on this Forum, then it was a good place to call home.  Through the years our friendship grew, and I always knew I was in the presence of someone who knew more than I did, but he didn't have to brag about it, he just "knew" stuff.

He visited our farm here in Alabama a couple times, and recently I texted him and Jake some photos of a couple big persimmon logs that I had just bought.  They were very nice logs that I knew I could pull his chain on because he loved persimmon.  These are 16 feet long, big and straight as an arrow.  So he took the bait, and asked what I wanted for them and I told him I wouldn't let him buy them because they were his for the taking, BUT, he'd have to come up here to get them. :D  I hoped this would give him a reason to come visit me again.  Lots of things have happened since then, but everyday I go out in the log yard and see his 2 persimmon logs still laying there.  I won't be able to cut them up now, they are his.  I think I will just roll them in the woods and let them go back to nature.

I will miss him.         
     

Quote I remember thinking that if he is a representative of the knowledge, respect and professionalism on this Forum, then it was a good place to call home.

And to add, this Forum is also thanks to the wisdom of Bossman Jeff, in so many ways. 

Yes, and many members that possess some of the same characteristics that Danny exemplified, "birds of a feather...", like yourself Beenthere. Jeff PMed me once years back, I was debating an issue with you and Jeff gave me a gentle nudge. He said something to the effect that BT don't pull his own chain, but he knows his stuff😉

And that was Danny, he didn't fluff his feathers either. I know enough about a lot of things, to know that I don't know a lot- and to be able recognize someone that does. I never even got to talk music with Danny, another area where it sounds like I could've recognized someone that knew what they were talking about.

There have been a few very influential folks in my life but in many ways, I consider Danny Hamsley a mentor involving all things WOOD.  I frequently asked him dendrology questions when I was stumped.  He had the patience and ability to break it down to the point I could usually understand.  He would use words like tylosis, lenticles, parenchyma when explaining.  I'd nod and genuinely understand for a few minutes, until my tiny brain was overwhelmed with information.  Later, I'd ask him to explain again, reminding him that I'm a little slow on the uptake.

Danny also helped JMoore and me a lot with our sawmilling.  

He and I both have three daughters.  He and I both have children who were very successful in FFA Forestry while in school.  Any time I have had a forestry team going to the national FFA Forestry contest, I'd try to stop by Danny's on the way up so they could get some excellent teaching, but he was often fishing for red drum during that week in October.  We were scheduled to stop by his place a month from today.  I was so excited that my two younger daughters were finally going to meet my friend, Danny Hamsley.  The last FFA Forestry team I took was my first forestry team able to get to meet and learn from WDH.  That was time well spent.

The first time I met him in person was at Jake's several years ago.  He greeted me and treated me like family from day one.  One of my treasured memories is one July day a few years ago, I stopped by his place.  It was Georgia hot and we trapsed through his woods with him teaching the whole time, without complaint.  I was looking forward to doing that again.

Yellowhammer wrote about the persimmon logs.  Danny mentioned to me that he wanted some live oak to saw.  I set aside a few good ones for him and offered to bring them to him.  Danny was incredibly smart, kind and generous.  He was the type of man you want your daughters to marry and your sons to become.

We first met Danny at one of Jake's Projects when I first got a mill about 2012.  His memory was like a trap, he always remembered our names and type of mill I had at the time.  His knowledge of trees and lumber amazed me. Once, when we were coming through Hayesville for the Peaches to Beaches yard sale, I could see for hundreds of feet down the highway and huge selection of live edge slabs and benches.  I knew it had to be Danny's wood. Of course I stopped.   Rest in peace old friend. 
 
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My heart hurts

I'm very touched by how many of you are bringing up memories of meeting him at my place. Certainly making those "projects" mean even more. Thank you.

Quote from: YellowHammer on September 22, 2022, 10:31:42 PM
@Andries (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=9307)
The Three Amigos comment hits home.  I remember years ago Danny, Jake and I were doing some tongue in cheek texting and the Three Amigos subject came up.  So I did a quick web search and I sent a short video clip or two of the movie scenes that everybody laughs at, like the Cactus and the hands on hip kind of scenes.  Then we started trying to decide which one of us was who, and I don't think we ever figured it out, but it was fun trying to link our personalities to the characters.  

I also remember when I first joined this Forum, I really avoided these things, I disliked the content and juvenileness of other typical Forums.  I finally posted something, dipped my toe in the water so to speak.  Danny responded with a compliment and words of wisdom to a new guy.  I remember thinking that if he is a representative of the knowledge, respect and professionalism on this Forum, then it was a good place to call home.  Through the years our friendship grew, and I always knew I was in the presence of someone who knew more than I did, but he didn't have to brag about it, he just "knew" stuff.

He visited our farm here in Alabama a couple times, and recently I texted him and Jake some photos of a couple big persimmon logs that I had just bought.  They were very nice logs that I knew I could pull his chain on because he loved persimmon.  These are 16 feet long, big and straight as an arrow.  So he took the bait, and asked what I wanted for them and I told him I wouldn't let him buy them because they were his for the taking, BUT, he'd have to come up here to get them. :D  I hoped this would give him a reason to come visit me again.  Lots of things have happened since then, but everyday I go out in the log yard and see his 2 persimmon logs still laying there.  I won't be able to cut them up now, they are his.  I think I will just roll them in the woods and let them go back to nature.

I will miss him.        
   

Mr. YH
They arent my logs or my business but
I would think Mr Danny would want you to cut the logs. Please do a U tube video of it as tutorial as if Mr Danny was there .
I would think he would like it as he always liked to see the special logs opened up.
Bruno 

Well, this is a bummer. WDH was always very sweet and helpful to a know-nothing like me. I never met him in person but he seemed like a real good fellow. 

     YellowHammer, I have to agree with Bruno.  Saw those persimmon logs as a tribute to Danny, and video it.  Maybe even build a piece of furniture from the wood, or have another Forum member do it as a tribute to him.  Then donate that piece to his family.
      I think that's the way I'd handle it anyway.

My deepest sympathies to the family.  A sad day.  Fine gentleman.

 :'( :( :'( :( :'(  I had the pleasure of meeting Danny at Pig Roasts, a couple of Sunbelt Ag Expos in Moultrie Ga, and at one of, maybe the first, sawing events at Jake's.  Truly a nice guy.  One of the best.  He went out with his boots on doing what he loved.  RIP WDH.

May you rest in peace Danny, you will be sorely missed.  Chuck

Words cannot express the sorrow Linda and I feel at this news.
Condolences to his loved ones from 2 of the "glaciated" folk.
Very few things bring tears to the eyes of this ancient cynic but this is one of those instances

As so many have said I have no words that express the surprise and sadness.

I'd look at his posts Identifying trees and see his use of the Va. Tech dendrology application and often thought I'd post to poke fun and ask did he not have one from that school in Georgia! I'm sure he'd not be offended and have a great comeback.

Rest in peace sir and may your family be comforted.

I never met Danny but sure wished I had. He must have been quite a guy that so many of you knew him personally and were glad for it.    
My condolences to all of you that are grieving and to his family.
RIP Danny, you  will be missed always.

I visualize a WDH Memorial Persimmon Project

Gone too soon. He represented everything that a man should be.

Quote from: Sixacresand on September 23, 2022, 12:19:25 PM
I visualize a WDH Memorial Persimmon Project

Be sure to engrave a really ugly bulldog on it with a UGA logo. 

   Danny has been harassing me about War Eagles and I have been pulling his chain about bulldogs for years. I remember him posting about his hunting dog Hambone and the last post I saw from him was his little "Pocket Beagle" (whatever a pocket beagle is) who he was real proud of.

The same thought popped into my mind. If there is another 'project' and one of those logs could find it's way to Jakes, it could be slabbed and planed. Perhaps somebody like Doc could get it home and engrave it or the members there could sign it. Maybe RiteLeg could kick in some legs. If 3 could be made, one could go to Danny's family, one to the Pig Roast site, and one to reside at Jakes place. They wouldn't have to be full length benches, maybe 4-5'?
 I understand Rob's feelings and was thinking just one of those logs would allow others to share in the remembrance and good feelings about an exceptional person. I kind of think Danny would like that, especially in his favorite wood.

good thoughts.  give it some time.  I will help in any way.

Of course, time builds perspective. I think we are all still in shock at some level.

At one of the pig roasts Danny took myself and I think it was Jeff but maybe someone else, across the street from Jeff's to look at a tree that had something peculiar about it. I don't remember what the peculiarity was, maybe the leaves didn't match up with the bark? (I unlike him do not remember things well) . The point is he took the time to share his observations with us in the midst of this grand gathering. 
RIP WDH

mh

This is truly sad news. Danny was a great person and a good friend. We didn't see each other very often, usually at pig roasts but could start conversations right back off where we left the time before. His knowledge of forestry is unmatched and the willingness to teach any one with a question will be missed. 
I am so glad I made the trip to Jake's this year and got to visit with Danny, now knowing that was the last time we would speak. Makes me realize that a lot of times work will be there when you get back and gatherings like the pig roast and Jake's are worth every trip. 
My condolences to Danny's family, he was a great man! 

This is very sad. I met Danny at Jake's project earlier this year and talked like we had been friends for years. I had an invite to go check out his operation, that I told him I would love to do. Now I will regret not making the time to do it.

When I saw this this morning I was at a loss for words, now after much thought I'll mention my first meeting with Danny. At my first pig roast Danny introduced himself and when I said who I was he said he liked my posts, whether that was true or not doesn't matter, what matters was that he made me feel welcome and valued, as said before a truly nice guy.

I just heard and I'm still digesting this sad news of our loss of Danny. It is hard to believe that he has left us.

I remember when he joined the Forum some time ago and started answering "Ask the Forester" questions. I saw and appreciated his great interest and knowledge.

He was a great supporter of the Forum and added much professionalism and humor to it. He made his way to most all the pig roasts where we looked forward to visiting with him.

He kept track of forestry issues and called me several times on the phone for a topic discussion. He was a forester's forester and loved his profession. He will be a great loss to the Forum.

I give a slow hand salute to this fellow forester. May he rest in peace and now find many trees to identify in Heaven.

Yesterday I was at deer camp getting set for this season. In all the years of our camp I can only think of a couple of times where I even had a hint of phone reception. Yesterday low and behold my phone rang, but no one was there on the other end. Amazed that I had a signal I checked into the forum, only to get the very sad news of Danny's passing. A few minutes later my signal my was gone again. I truely beleave my dear friend Danny had a hand in that miracle phone reception. Thanks buddy, I am going ta miss ya big time.    chet

I pulled a small portion of a video clip from my "Legends" video, at Jake's (Customsawyer) last Project.  

At the projects, the guys all would band up and start playing.  As I was walking by, I heard the haunting rendition of this old hym, and it caught my attention.  I stopped and pulled out my iPhone and recorded it.  It was the only song I recorded that night.    

Danny is in the baseball hat, playing the bass guitar in the foreground at the beginning of the clip.  Little did I know this was the last time I would hear them play.  FYI, this video is not monetized in any way, that wouldn't be right.

I'll Fly Away

I'll fly away Oh Glory
I'll fly away;  
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away  

WDH Playing "I'll Fly Away" - YouTube (https://youtu.be/VRf3PdpuZoY)

My heart hurts after getting word on the passing of Danny.
I first met Danny at the pig roast several years ago and when he came up to me it was like we had known each other for a long time . He was truly a gifted man with all his knowledge of trees, wood, and craftsmanship along with being a genuinely great individual.
I missed out on seeing him this last spring at Jake's due to an unexpected similar situation on my end. 
I had intended to either start a new thread or PM him this weekend as I just got a 50lb. bag of Solubor and was looking for his or anyone else's advice on proper mixing and use of it. I have bookmarked post by Danny on use of Solubor (Timbor) (DOT), species ID and so on. 
It was truly my pleasure meeting him and he will be sadly missed.
As others have said, "Danny, you're a Gentleman and a Scholar"

Rest easy my friend till we meet again

Brent

Monday my wife and I were walking through an area on our land I have been thinning and she spotted a tree that she liked and asked what it was.  My response was quickly to say that it was a "Danny Tree", to which she replied that she had never heard of such a tree and what did I mean.  So I explained to her that a "Danny Tree" was any tree I didn't know what it was so I would just call Danny, send him a picture, and he would tell me what the tree was.  A few minutes later I got tied up with a newborn calf and sadly never got back to the Danny tree to take a photo and send it to my friend.  That tree now has flagging tape on it and will never be felled as long as I own this farm, it will remain known as a Danny Tree and nothing more.  I do miss my friend.      

There isn't a easy way to say this. We have now learned that Danny passed due to a freak accident at the sawmill. It just goes to show that lots of the work that we do can be dangerous. Y'all be careful out there.

Equipment , logs , chainsaws , sawmills , obstacles on the ground. 
It can be hard to not get hurt.
Working alone is a challenge all in its self. Like Jake says , stay safe everyone. 
I had a hard day at the mill yesterday thinking about Mr Danny and his family. 

RIP-WDH

Another thing I want to add. If y'all have any pictures of Danny that you think are special would you please email them to Danny's email. His family will be able to receive them there. I think they are putting together a slide show or something like that.

Very sorry to hear this. I never met Danny in person but I never skipped over a post if I saw his name. I always knew I'd either be educated or entertained, and often both. And he always did it in a kind and respectful way.

Alan

It could happen to any of us.  As safe as we can be, accidents happen.  
I had to find this and watch it again.  The "wood smoother"
Georgia timber farmers not seeing record profits | 13wmaz.com (https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/georgia-timber-farmers-not-seeing-record-profits-despite-record-lumber-prices-4/93-9c49f730-a84b-41ca-9246-d0347a3377cf)

I was just reading back thru some of the messages from Danny and I found when he had given me his number.  I had been asking him about what kind of kiln I should build...DH or solar.  He helped me to decide on DH.  Reading back thru messages makes me realize that so much of his wisdom is recorded on the forum.  Want to learn about trees...go and read thru the tree of the day thread.  You can be sure he was in there a lot.  

This was the message he sent to me in May of 2019.

 If you want to call me and chew the fat about all this, please do.  My cell # is xxxxxxxxx. 

Several things that really make you think! How special people are like Danny!! All the examples of a guy with a wealth of knowledge that would help or respond to anyone. People really remember people like this!!! There are so many people that won't respond or want to give information to a individual by a call or personal message. Pretty special tree Southside! Custom really makes you think of how important safety is even if there is something your doing that maybe you shouldn't. 

I met Danny at my first Sawmill get together at Jakes about 6 years ago.  He was one of those people that you instantly feel at ease with, like an old friend.  I so enjoyed talking with him at later sawmill get togethers about trees and sawing.  I texted him before I bought a Grizzly planer, like his, for advice and he was always quick to help out.  He was a good friend to many and such a wealth of knowledge.  He will be missed by all.  RIP WDH.

Firefighter ,I liked the video clip in that article. No better man to ask about managing and marketing southern timber. :)

I had heard a legend form the FF has passed. I just found out and am deeply sorrowed. I Met Danny at my 1st Pig Roast a few years ago a gentleman to talk with. 
RIP Danny.

I am at a complete loss for words. Danny will be sorely missed by us and other places as well. Danny's former employer has extensive holdings in north Louisiana and south arkansas where he had a lot of friends. I have been honored by a visit during one of his trips to this area. YH, you just solved a problem for me. There is a big persimon log in my pile that I was saving for Danny. Rolling it out in the woods to go back to nature sounds like a fitting idea.

Quote from: customsawyer on September 24, 2022, 08:05:38 AMIf y'all have any pictures of Danny that you think are special would you please email them to Danny's email. His family . . . are putting together a slide show . . . .

These are the photos that I found on an old hard drive, and sent to his eMail address.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19307/Danny_at_the_Sawmill.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664057985)


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19307/Jake_and_Danny_02.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1664057986)


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19307/Three_Amigos_in_Georgia.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1664058135)


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/19307/Danny_Hamsley_and_ApB__19.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1664058991)

For those that can't find Danny's email
wdhamsley@windstream.net

Folks, I am stepping in as an admin here. We all have questions about what happened, nobody will ever know for certain, we now know Danny suffered a freak accident doing what he truly loved to do. That's all we need to know. There is nothing that can change what happened. We all know the dangers of our chosen profession and hobbies and have to always remain vigilant, sometimes however that isn't enough, it appears this was one of those times, and there is nothing you can do about it. All one can really do is live life the way Danny did by giving of himself to all of us and many more. 

Please don't send PM messages to members who you think may have more information asking for details. I am posting this as I was asked politely to do so. Everyone is hurting, let's be respectful of his friends, family, and most of all Danny himself, together we need to find the path forward. 

Last night I was able to email photos of Danny to his email address and received a response from the family today thanking me for it. They do appreciate sharing your memories. 

WILLIAM DANNY HAMSLEY Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (https://www.watsonhunt.com/obituaries/William-Hamsley/#)!/Obituary

May Danny rest in peace. 

Thank you beenthere. 

Thanks beenthere.  I looked for that yesterday and didn't find it.

Thank you for posting, Beenthere.  

I see this couple of days ago, but am at a loss as I am sure are everybody who knew Danny, even if only through the Foresty Forum.   I have never met him in person, but I greatly appreciated his postings of FF and his kind humor. :'( 

        JJ

At Jake's last gathering, after I had said my good byes to everyone around the bon fire, I was walking away to head back to my motel, and Danny came up to me to say good bye.
I don't remember much of the conversation other that he wanted to say good bye.
To his family and his forestry forum family, I say sorry for your loss.

Jim Rogers

Just seen this, so sorry, so sad 

Looking back at Danny's old posts and their responses makes me realize what a wonderful person this man was.To all who knew him it is a hard loss.
Top shelf man, there.

My heart is truly saddened. Danny was a man like no other. I met him on my first visit to Jake's in 2019. I had a lot of questions and he answered all of them. He even suggested some books I could read to help with tree identification. This year when I saw him at Jake's it was like seeing and old friend of a lifetime. Danny had some great stories too. Sitting around the bonfire and listening to Danny and Jake was the highlight of my trip. My heart goes out to his family.  I know this is a hard time for all. Danny will be remembered and missed by us all!! 

Was just going back through some old PMs that Danny and I had sent back over the years. Yes I still go back and read some I received from Tom too. They are both giants among men. Their ability to share knowledge and keep it light and funny at the same time was priceless.

I do the same thing, but with their posts.  I think WDH had 1505 pages that he had posted on the FF.  On days when I have been laid up sick, I'd go back and read Tom's posts from the beginning.  Those are treasures.  I was reading some of Danny's the night before last from the beginning, 10/1/2006. His dendrology explanations have helped me train some really good forestry teams over the years.  Coincidently, Danny joined the FF on my youngest daughter's 2nd birthday.  She is on the team going to Indy for National FFA Forestry this year.
We had a several hours long practice this afternoon with the team that was scheduled to stop by Danny's on 10/22.  He was always in teaching mode.  I recall the first time I showed up to his place.  After the greetings, he started quizzing me on tree names, both common and Latin.  I was relieved to have passed the first test.

There was lots to choose from. I liked it simple. I did like the quote at the end.

"Danny Boy" | GENTRI Covers - YouTube (https://youtu.be/KZ3E7kIYtR0)

That's beautiful Jake.

Well done, Jake.

Very well done.

What a wonderful send-off Jake.

Wow,,, not a dry eye in the house.

Very nice Jake

Well if that don't jerk you out of your frame nothing will.   

Jake, that's a fine post to remember Danny!  

Here is a Danny Boy solo on a Bass Guitar:

Danny Boy - Solo Piccolo Bass by Charles Berthoud - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI0QjrVnBS4)

I made a heck of an attempt to get to the visitation but failed miserably.  I was able to work with my forestry team that will go to the national ffa contest next month for the 2nd time, in person this morning, gave a forest disorder test to the rest of the class and planned to leave school after the morning classes.

Right as I was about to leave, I found four non-ag kids smoking stuff they should not have been in the ag bathroom.  Dealt with that and headed north.  Traffic was abysmal.  Normally, it would take a little over five hours to get to Perry, Ga from my place.  Today, I-75 was a parking lot, and it would have taken at least 8-9 hours to get there.  It looks like we will be dealing with a major hurricane later in the week. My intention was to drive home from Perry tonight and do the job as normal tomorrow.  I hate that I was not able to properly pay my respects to such an awesome person.  WDH (Danny) was an inspiration to me, and school was always in session in his presence.  
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/BA1A05D0-5CB3-4F9A-A403-80514DAC3A66.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664237882)
 
Going nowhere fast, or should it be going nowhere slow or at all? (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/1266E898-8B28-48F1-8CC8-A7FAFF038C37.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664237880)
I did stop by Earl Hazlewood's place on the way home.  Some of you who run Wood-Mizers probably remember him.  He told me to tell all of you hello and he too, admired Danny and the knowledge that he had and shared.

You may not have gotten to the visitation, but you did not fail.  Your heart joined our hearts there. 

It was a nice visitation. They had pictures of him through out his life and with his family. Yellowhammer, Fishpharmer, J.R. Warren, Brandon Honeycutt and myself made it there to make a showing for the forum. A pretty good sized crowd was there and most took a while to leave. Lots of standing around outside sharing stories of how many time that man had done something good for us. Rest in Peace Danny your work here is done.

It's hard to read through these and not think about the folks that go too early. My dad was one who went unexpectedly (and 20-30 years too early) and as I read through this thread it's very hard to not read in some similarities. Emotions are funny as I sit and cry over a person I never met and only had a few pleasant interactions with on a forum. 

It's interesting to hear all the lovely comments about people and I wish we, as a species, did better about making these comments to the people while they can still hear them. 

All that being said it seems like a good opportunity to thank you all for providing a great place to learn and build friendships, and welcoming in some goof that doesn't know much or have a whole lot to add (though that doesn't stop me). The wealth of knowledge and comradery here is very special and all you guys are part of it. Thank you. 

Sounds like, like my dad, Danny had a bigger effect on people than they or the people around them even knew. 

"Your work here is done" really hits me in a sorrowful way. It's totally what I believe but also seems terribly unfair and confusing.

Much love, y'all.

 

Thank you guys for representing us folks that couldn't make it.

Quote from: caveman on September 26, 2022, 08:35:21 PM
I made a heck of an attempt to get to the visitation but failed miserably.  I was able to work with my forestry team that will go to the national ffa contest next month for the 2nd time, in person this morning, gave a forest disorder test to the rest of the class and planned to leave school after the morning classes.

Right as I was about to leave, I found four non-ag kids smoking stuff they should not have been in the ag bathroom.  Dealt with that and headed north.  Traffic was abysmal.  Normally, it would take a little over five hours to get to Perry, Ga from my place.  Today, I-75 was a parking lot, and it would have taken at least 8-9 hours to get there.  It looks like we will be dealing with a major hurricane later in the week. My intention was to drive home from Perry tonight and do the job as normal tomorrow.  I hate that I was not able to properly pay my respects to such an awesome person.  WDH (Danny) was an inspiration to me, and school was always in session in his presence.  
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/BA1A05D0-5CB3-4F9A-A403-80514DAC3A66.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664237882)
 
Going nowhere fast, or should it be going nowhere slow or at all? (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/1266E898-8B28-48F1-8CC8-A7FAFF038C37.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664237880)
I did stop by Earl Hazlewood's place on the way home.  Some of you who run Wood-Mizers probably remember him.  He told me to tell all of you hello and he too, admired Danny and the knowledge that he had and shared.

Wild Bill and I both wanted and discussed making the trip but with the storm coming both of us have properties to harden. Good thing we didn't as today they will stop westbound traffic over the Tampa Bay bridges and make them all eastbound. We wouldn't have been able to get home.
Everything's North and East is a parking lot.

Thanks for representing us that could not make it.  

Danny dedicated himself to his family, he would not want anyone to put themselves or their family in jeopardy for him. 

Stay safe down there. 

Vince Gill - Go Rest High On That Mountain (Official Music Video) - YouTube (https://youtu.be/6jXrmAKBBTU)

Quote from: customsawyer on September 27, 2022, 06:03:23 AM
. Rest in Peace Danny your work here is done.

My favorite rendition. We played it at my Dad's funeral.
Rest in peace my friend.
Amazing Grace - Rhema 7yr old Gospel singer plz "Share" - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDlxmsciqY)

I'll just offer this up. I believe Danny would have liked this. It's a traditional Bluegrass Gospel tune covered by many. I'll bet he even played it a time or two with others.

Going Up Home to Line in Green Pastures (Live) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzV9YClRUdw)

Quote from: customsawyer on September 27, 2022, 06:03:23 AM. . . Yellowhammer, Fishpharmer, J.R. Warren, Brandon Honeycutt and myself made it there to make a showing for the forum. A pretty good sized crowd was there . .

Thank you gentlemen for representing all of us that couldn't make it there.

I never met Danny or spoke with him. With that said he taught me a lot and have actually used some of his big words to stump a few people. My sincere condolences go out to his family and all you  folks that were close to him.

Reading through this thread is very humbling for multiple reasons. When it's my time to go I can only hope my boots are on and my friends can share as many stories and offer up some fine music as everyone here has.

This a very impressive and honorable tribute put together by everyone here.

Danny was a great guy, and it's a rare thing to know someone who had no enemies.  Certainly I don't qualify in that category.  

I was honored to meet his family that I hadn't met before, and also his brother.  We stood around and told stories about Danny, and it was nice to talk about some of the good times we had.

Although his death was untimely, he had a full, rich life and an amazing family.  Good people.  

By the way, as bad as the traffic was going down, it was worse coming back.  Wow, and I don't think I've ever seen so many convoys of utility trucks, transformers, heavy equipment, and spools of wire headed down south.  

And once again thanks to Jake and Tammy for letting Martha and I stay for the night.  

 

Robert, I am glad that you and Martha were able to go.  I too, was looking forward to meeting Danny's family.  He bragged about them (in a humble manner of course) often.  Currently, there are 30000 linemen stationed in Florida to help restore power after the storm.  I saw hundreds of them heading south on I-75 yesterday.  

Is there anything that Danny was not good at?  He not only found and collected arrowheads and other points, but he could tell you what era they were likely from and why.  He could ID wood better than most.  I would not want to be up against him in a dendro contest.  His woodworking skills were admirable as well.  I never got the chance to take him fishing but I suspect he was better than adequate in his piscatorial pursuits also.

Just a thought regarding "his work being done", it struck me that this thread is a testimony that "his works" live on in the lives of those  he touched.

I was so sorry to hear of Danny's passing.  I have PM'ed with him as much as anyone on the Forum, and that's over 10 years or more.  He was open, sharing, understanding, and a great "Teammate".  I only met Danny once, and it was early on at a Pig Roast.  We hit it off immediately.  He invited me to join him at home and he offered to give me a week of tree education that I couldn't get in a lifetime.  I was working back then, and couldn't take the time away.  I sure regret that now.  He was a very solid man who knew from whence he came, spoke softly, and treated others with respect.  He and I discussed his health issues, as well as those of his wife, often and at length.  I'll sure miss talking with him.  He was the kind of man you hope walks this earth everywhere, but you know does not. RIP my friend.

Doctorb that must have been the pig roast that you and I were elected to go get ice. I remember Jeff laughing and saying he never pictured the two of us in the same vehicle. I have to agree on that thought but we made it work and it was my pleasure to meet you.
A couple have commented or shared my comment about his work is done. No hard feelings but his is. It is our responsibility to take the kind heart and knowledge that Danny shared with us and make sure he is never forgotten. That is my friend and anytime I was doing a task for him he brought out the best in me. I pray I am able to perform at that level like Danny is watching every day.  

Ah, yes.  The ice run.  My recollection is that we came back with a trunk full.

I'm going to word this in a different way. For those that was here at the last project and watched me unload the log truck. Well that happened to be Mr. Charles Hill of Hill logging. He is one of two crews that Danny would allow on his place to cut timber. Can any of you imagine being a logger and you have to go cut timber on Danny's place. No pressure right? I have hundreds of stories I could share where I was doing something for Danny and you would have a meeting with the entire crew, (me, myself and I) before you got there. The main topic of discussion was "don't mess up". Danny brought out the best of anyone around him. You wanted to be half as good as he said you were. He would build you up so high I actually believed it for 10 minuets or so until I messed up again. There was no one like that man. He and my memory of him is awesome.

That is a good description "He would bring out the best" in people.

Yep.

When I first got my mill I reached out on the forum for help with training and Danny and Jake both reached out and said I could come hangout. I went to Dannys since it was closer to me. He taught me more in a day than I can remember about milling and trees. Gave me a tour of his property and house and shop. Even fed me lunch. I will always remember his willingness to teach and to be kind.

I am sorry to learn of Danny passing, I never had the pleasure to meet him, but seemed to alway gain a perspective fr reading his posts. It was easy to tell that he was gentleman. Jake, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, I understand you were quite close. 

The first time I met Danny was at our first pig roast and my impression of him then was there goes a fine  fellow.
We stayed at the deer path motel and Jake I believe you and Danny stayed there also.
I t was a barely adequate place to stay and I recall we all left at about the same time for home.
I seem to recall a brief discussion about the accommodations.
consequent meetings were at other pig roasts and at Jake's.
Every time reinforced my opinion of Danny.

This is my only picture of WDH.  Danny couldn't make it to the pig roast last year and he was not happy about it.  He still wanted to have a presence there.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/36921/received_646222747098297.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1664385019)
 

Actually, Danny didn't know about the sign that Furby made to bring. It stands in my shop now for all to see. 

Ah yes, I remember that sign well
RIP WDH

Brent

Many years ago I asked a long time caving buddy why he made so many long trips to go caving, events and other happenings. He said he wanted to make as many memories as he could because there would be a time when he couldn't make those memories and wanted to have as many as possible when he got to that point. That is why I go to pig roasts , sawing events and other things that may take a long time to get there.  I am so thankful for the memories of WDH. Visiting at the pig roast, at Jake's and the several times I stopped at his place in Ga.  One memorable time Danny invited us to hunt pigs at his place because they were rooting up his woods.  Just a passing conversation at the pig roast led to a great weekend. My son, Ian who is now a hurricane, my brother, and my SIL went to Ga to get some pig.  We stayed in his old house that had become a drying room.  He said he would not turn up the heat because it might bring the rattlesnakes out.  That was Danny humor. Jake showed up Sat evening and we had the greatest catfish dinner of all time.  A Great Evening.  I am so thankful for the memories with WDH from visiting and from reading on the forum. As my caving friend said, there will come a time when we won't be able to make more.  I think we all wish we could make more memories with Danny.  RIP  

My Mom said; "Do it while you can so that you can enjoy it when you can't".

Now that's a quote to remember.
Take pictures too!!!

It's going to be tough to find a new last word in tree ID. Always thought I'd have liked to meet him. RIP.

Has anyone reached out to Danny's wife to offer assistance if needed to help value/sell wood or equipment or do a clean up day?  I know it's not like a farmer where you need to help bring in his crop, but if she needs assistance all the same....Maybe someone close by could take the lead and when she's ready, and let us know how many volunteers are needed?

I think Jake (and others) has done so.  thanks for your thoughts BB.  

I've offered assistance and she said she was going to need some help. I'm sure she is taking a little bit of time to adjust before diving off in all of that. Between the daughters, son in laws, brother, nephew and other friends/family that live close by she is well taken care of. I was there 3 out of the first 4 days after he passed and thought I would give them a little breathing room. Several of them have my number and I feel they would reach out if they needed anything.

Thanks Jake for being the face, heart and soul for the rest of us that cannot be there.  Godspeed!

Yeah, even if she takes 6 months or a year to adjust, there's enough good people on this forum to help when needed.  Hope she knows that, and how many people he touched.

He was one of my favorite contributors to the forum. Sad to hear of his passing.

Finally found one of the pictures I have been looking for. It's one of my favorites of Danny. This is a truck load of pecan and I had lots of fun picking on him about making me come get a load of the devil wood  smiley_devil as he called it. He still had the LT15 at the time so I brought it to my place and sawed it for him to sell. This load brought many more great days of sawing with this fine man. His smile says it all.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11861/Screenshot_20221006-164357_Facebook~2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1665212149)

That is a mighty fine moment.

You should hear Jake tell the story of that load of logs. Nice picture! 

Danny actually posted it all on here back when it happened. His story is probably better. He had a memory.

Thanks for posting this Jake. One of many many great memories 

Well, for all to enjoy, I searched and found The Great Pecan Project (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=48855.0) which all can read and enjoy. I'll add no more, Danny, Jake, and the peanut gallery do it best. 

Jake and Old Greenhorn - Thanks for posting and finding that - it made me smile this morning.  

How cow, those were some big dog logs, I liked the picture of the dump truck crane boom bent over like a fishing rod reeling in a whopper.

  

I think this is the same wood I came up and got for the farm table.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13635/Danny1.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1355112742)
 

Wowzers! I think a LT15 would run and hide if it saw those logs on the truck!  :o

Just found this about WDH, I'm still in disbelief, so sad. I met Danny at Jake's this year. He took the time to come to my place and give me some valuable advice on my trees and property. I just recently finished the thinning and cut based on the advice from his visit. I sent him a 'Thank You' couple weeks ago after the cut and did not hear back from him. I'm stunned to find this........

If you have been to one of the sawing projects, then you have a idea how things are setup. In the pecan project my mill was setting about where the Canteck planer is now. If you were ever at Danny's, his kiln is where he was air drying the pecan. Danny was always one of my biggest cheerleaders.

I spent a good deal of my morning reading through the pages of the pecan project.  It was time well spent reading the accounts of several sagacious members.  It was sad to see the in-memoriam banner by so many who have made valuable contributions of friendship, humor and knowledge to this site. 

I even learned a new word (to me), deliquescence. 

I had to remember back about the bad knees comment. I had wrecked a motorcycle in April and was still not in the best of shape when we started doing the sawing in May.

He knew some words!!!
Sent me to google many times.

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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13635/Danny_s_Hog_Pickin_.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1288231561)
 

Danny pulling pork at the 2010 Pigroast.

Those pictures bring back good memories

The boy could grin a possum out of a tree! 8)

 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1959.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1401190904)
 One of my favorites.  Danny painting Anchorseal on a Sycamore log at Jake's.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1961.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1402003155)
 And he was always a teacher sharing his vast knowledge.

...and trying to guess analyze MM's "mystery wood" at the Pig roast. :)

Actually Danny was stumped twice by "mystery wood" at Pig Roasts:

Cedarman got him with ERC sapwood and I got him with Walnut sapwood.  Leg pulling is fun, especially when it's you doing the pulling.  Rest assured that Danny could/would also dish it out. 

There was a mystery log at Jake's in April that we had much fun with.  ???

I found this while looking for a pic of Mr. Danny. It is from this past April on Jake's porch.
The Pines. Larry Hutchens, Danny Hamsley, Nathan Elliott. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/yfkiL7qm-vw)

I have not visited the wood and plant ID forum since Danny passed.  I wasn't really doing it consciously, but I guess I was avoiding the realization that Danny would not be there to comment.  I went there today and noticed there has been very little activity since that day.  I'm gonna try to go there more often again even though Danny won't be there.  I think he would want us to carry on with it.

When we saw Larry at the visitation he sure was some kind of tore up. Apparently there used to be a couple of more in their little band and now Larry is the last one left. My heart absolutely broke for him. Those are great moments of the "band" on my porch.  I think back on how my Mother used to take Danny's bass from him and play with Larry for a bit. I'm sure she took it from him the moment Danny made it up Yonder and Danny being the true gentleman gave it to her. 

I have several more from that night, but most focus is on Larry, as the base player was sitting facing the other way.  I feel for Larry. You could tell he and Danny were connected via the music as they played. For me, sitting on the porch with them was the very best part of a project. I come for the people, as I've had a lifetime of sawdust.

Thank you Jeff and the others who recorded Danny playing. I remember seeing a video posted a couple years back of him and Larry playing at one of the Georgia sawing projects, you could tell they definitely fired on all cylinders as a band. smiley_guitarist

Quote from: Resonator on October 13, 2022, 10:28:07 PM
Thank you Jeff and the others who recorded Danny playing. I remember seeing a video posted a couple years back of him and Larry playing at one of the Georgia sawing projects, you could tell they definitely fired on all cylinders as a band. smiley_guitarist

Comments remind me of draft horses.  Individually they do great but put them together and they sync they do even more than two individuals. 

Quote from: Texas Ranger on October 11, 2022, 10:51:33 AM

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10007/MVC00055aaa.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1281659816)

I recognize Jeff and DanG in back. Is that Bibbyman 2nd from right? Pigman next to DanG?

Not sure who is far left, but that is me, fishfarmer, pigman, dang, T ranger and then Danny

            I just saw this, I just read through all the heart warming posts. I feel like I just had an immediate family member pass, this is just crushing news. I met Mr. Dan at Jake's he took me over to a pile of wood, it had the biggest cherry log I'd ever seen. What made it so neat was he was as excited as a 12 year old boy showing me his best present.   
            He was such a great guy, he always returned my call or text, always ready to help. I will miss you Mr. Dan. Praying for comfort for his family.

I have thought about Danny quite a few times today.  My FFA forestry team and I were to meet with him today to see a short leaf pine and get a few tips on preparing for the national FFA forestry contest.  We will leave tomorrow instead of this morning.  I was looking forward to seeing my friend and having my youngest two daughters meet him.  I consider myself fortunate to have met and learned from such an incredible man.  Whenever I am stacking wood, sawing logs or doing anything related to sawmilling, I picture WDH looking over my shoulder urging me to do the best job possible.  

Quote from: customsawyer on October 13, 2022, 07:57:03 PM
When we saw Larry at the visitation he sure was some kind of tore up. Apparently there used to be a couple of more in their little band and now Larry is the last one left. My heart absolutely broke for him. Those are great moments of the "band" on my porch.  I think back on how my Mother used to take Danny's bass from him and play with Larry for a bit. I'm sure she took it from him the moment Danny made it up Yonder and Danny being the true gentleman gave it to her.

In

I was fortunate to visit the river walk park in Clarksville, Tennessee twice in the last week.  

Along with a Pat Summit tribute patio and sculpture, the city has planted and identified a wide variety of trees along with identifying a variety of naturally occurring trees on the banks of the river. 

It was an education to examine those trees.  All the while I thought about Danny in particular and the others here who "know their trees" better than I do.  

 
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Thank you for posting that top picture, Jeff.  I started looking for a picture of Danny and me together and was unable to find one.  He was surely in his element.

He was always like a kid at a candy store around a pile of logs. He would have to take a walk around my place when he got here just eyeballing logs.

One night Danny and my wife and I were out having a steak and adult beverages.  Danny had seen my office but wanted another look.  So we stopped by and had another adult beverage.  Danny had to make a stop, so I photographed him coming out of my "library", I believe this was the last time Danny was here in Texas. (poor photo, did I mention adult beverages?)


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Thinking of Danny this morning. We both enjoyed the movie Jeremiah Johnson and would quote it to each other when the opportunity arose. One quote we would throw at each other on a regular basis is "You've come far pilgrim".  

The other day a customer showed me a photo of some kind of wood neither of us could identify, I couldn't even tell if was even a domestic species.  For years when something like this would happen, I would say "Hey, I know a guy, he knows every species and he can tell us what it is" and I would text the photo to Danny and "Mr. Big Words" would send back a definitive "I can see these blah, blah blah things and if you look real close I can tell that blah, blah, blah and so this is definitely from XXX tree."  So I'd shorten the dissertation down and tell the customer "My buddy says it's this and you can take that to the bank." :D :D

Me being a "rocket scientist", I am used to big words, but some of the nomenclature Danny used would twist my brain and literally go in one ear and out the other like a good dose of collard greens.  Whoosh, if you know what I mean.  I figured he was always doing that because he figured I could follow along, but nope, he was giving me too much credit.  I even told him once "Danny, you know I have no idea what you are saying" and he said "Sure you do!"  Nope.  Most of the time, I couldn't remember enough of the Latin he used to even Google it.  

Either way, when the guy came in to ask what species of wood it was, all I could say was "I have no idea" and that kind of left a hole in my day, thinking of WDH.   

Yeah, you hit that on the head. Happens to me also. I'd be in the woods and spot something I had never noticed before and my first thought was how to get photos that Danny could work with so I could find out what it was. Then I remember and feel that same 'hole'.

YH & OG:
Sorry to hear that you two failed Professor (or maybe DOCTOR) Danny's class.
However you most likely both did better than I would of.
From my vantage point Danny had time for all seeking wood related issues advice.
At Jake's last shindig I had brought two pieces of slabs that I had sawed for a fellow and asked Danny if he could identify it.  He agreed with what the owner had told me.  So now I can safely add sawing pear to my list of species sawed.
GAB

I surely don't think we failed. I think we remained students and a good student listens and applies what they learn. Danny raised my level of knowledge and my ability to look for the details. A big kick in my day was when I could ask for his help, but offer up what I thought was correct and he would confirm it, as well as explain why I was right. It didn't happen often, but when it did I would smile all day.
 It's a true testament to the value he gave many of us that we miss him so in our daily lives. I never met the man, except in these pages, but I surely valued him, his humor, and knowledge.

Even if he didn't teach you something, you were still left feeling richer for having contact with Danny. He's one of the few people I have never heard a bad word about.

I don't think there was a single "project" that Danny didn't end up kneeling on the ground with a stick drawing in the dirt and slinging them big words around. Slider was the one that gave him the nickname "Big Words" and it stuck pretty good. Of course Danny earned it.

Like, I assume, all of us I have had Danny cross my mind every day in one context or another.
Only met him at the pig roasts and at Jake's but he left a lasting positive impression.
Did the man ever not smile when you had a conversation?

Oh yeah, there was one time I made him so mad that he stopped talking to Jake! because I had pulled Danny's chain a little, and he mistakenly thought Jake did it!! :D :D :D  It was a great prank, especially when he started blaming someone else, and when I told Danny that I was the one behind behind it, he just burst out laughing because being mad wasn't his thing and he just said "That's just Robert!" and everything was good again.  Most folks who know me find out pretty quick that I don't mind pulling at people's soft spots, and there is a certain amount of "overhead" that goes with being friends with me. :D :D :D  Danny was a good friend and he just took me with a grain of salt and sometimes couldn't tell if I was joking or being serious.   :D :D

I think that's why he would quote Latin to me, to jerk my chain too, because for all I knew, he was quoting a cook book or instructions on how to bake cookies.  I had no idea what he was saying, and he knew it, and he would just keep on explaining the secrets of the universe in a language I couldn't understand, and he would just smile while doing it. :D :D  He could take it and dish it out, too.  

"Overhead", I like that😂 

 The more stories you guys tell, the more I regret never being able to make it to a Pig roast or Jake's sawing shindig.

@barbender (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1286) 

You have been missing out on meeting good people and some like Danny who are/were outstanding people.

Of course you even get to meet some like me and Jake too! smiley_jester

The Good, the Outstanding, and the...Other😊

@barbender (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=1286) 
yer only about a 5 hour jaunt on US2 west of me. And I'm about a 6 hour trip, (now dat I don't hafta drive 55 no more) ta da pig roast. So make plans. :D

My excuses become fewer all the time, Chet😊

In honor of Danny:


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10007/danny~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1668781575)

Nothing superfluous or intransigent in that epistle of conversational content.  Just sayin!  8)

He certainly didn't suffer from hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliaphobia.

All I can say is YUP  :D

   I'm sorry he is not here to cheer on his Georgia Bulldogs. I think about him every time I see them on TV or I see them at the top of the rankings :(

Quote from: petefrom bearswamp on November 04, 2022, 08:43:23 AMDid the man ever not smile when you had a conversation?

Well, at Jake's this past spring, Danny and I rode the golf cart thru my woods and he was giving me advice on the trees. It was cold that Sunday morning, like really cold for that time of the year. About half way thru the ride neither of us were smiling, but in the warm truck on the way back to Jake's, we thawed and he was smiling all the way to lunch!

I've seen a few times when we would be doing some sawing in the heat of summer and the heat could take the smile off his face. It would only last until he got in front of a fan.

Danny's birthday, have him on my mind and wish we could give him the day.  RIP, buddy.

Yep, he always wished me a happy birthday every year.  I just got reminded by a notification today off his FB account.

I appreciate anyone else sending me birthday wishes to by the way, just so you know about it. It does not go unnoticed. ;)

Thinking of my buddy today. I sure would like to still have him around. We always seemed to be picking on each other. I sure seemed to be leaning on him a lot.


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I know watcha mean.

How is Ann coping?

He was always the one who wished me the first happy birthday on FF
I'm missed it this year

They are not gone who live in the hearts they leave behind.

The Custom Sawyer's Sawmill Project. Music from the Porch in Georgia. The Lost tapes. - YouTube (https://youtu.be/Yv7k7SBkFfM)

There might be some repeat clips in there, but I was willing to watch twice. :)

Just thinking about a conversation, we had at Jakes in 2019. I'm smiling...

He sure enjoyed the projects. His mind was like a steel trap and he would remember things about them that no one else would.

Haven't been around much lately but while browsing through the tree id threads I got a terrible feeling, may he RIP, and may God watch over his family and loved ones, wished I've gotten to met him.

I never met him. Just talking on here, The thing that got me was, how smart he was. If I could remember half of what he knew, I'd have something. RIP Mr Hamsley.

We stopped at the place WDH used to display his impressive wood stuff at the Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale.  He lived just down a narrow road, where we drove down and saw the sign and manicured rows of  pine trees.  

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25201/IMG_8993~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1678757115)
   

Great picture Six. It put a lump in my throat thinking back to planting those trees for him. Any that would like a great read there is a thread in the forestry section here I think the title is "Establishing a pine plantation". I'm not computer smart enough to put up a link to it but maybe someone can help on here. It will give some others a look at how much he loved his little piece of the world.

Establishing a pine plantation (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=33920.msg489463#msg489463)

A very nice thread.

what is the image at the bottom og the sign.

Quote from: doc henderson on March 14, 2023, 06:27:22 AM
what is the image at the bottom og the sign.

I worried about the privacy thing so I scratch through the street number.  It probably didn't make any difference since he was known worldwide through the Forum and his web site.  

I have not seen the sign.  someone mentioned they wished they had a pic.  so I thought it might have been a special image.

That sign/driveway goes to Danny's sawmill, etc.  The driveway to his home was from another road.  We walked from the home to the sawmill, but it was actually a nice wide path not intended to be regularly driven on.

Thanks Cfarm.

The "Establishing a pine plantation" thread is well worth a look, or another look if you haven't read it in a while. The thread spans 14 years, and shows the passing of time through the growth of the trees. But more importantly gives insight into the patience and vision Danny had to grow a "crop" that takes decades to mature and harvest; and the legacy he leaves behind.

QuoteThe neat thing to me is that this site was originally an old field, then planted by me in 1987, then harvested in 2016, and now replanted in 2017.  So, I have seen one entire rotation on this site and have started a second one.  Maybe I can hang on to see this new stand thinned before my time expires  (https://forestryforum.com/board/Smileys/default/smiley.gif).

I'm sorry to hear this.
I believe I met Danny once.
He's one of those whose loss is so profound, yes, because of his human personality, but also because of his incredible knowledge.
:-\

   This is sad news indeed , my sincere condolences to the entire forestry forum family .

I got to thinking of Danny this morning. I was reading a post on here about capacitors on an electric motor and a memory came back, making me laugh. As most of you know I run external hyd. packs on both of my sawmills. One time on the extended mill I was having trouble with the electric motor that drives the hyd. pump. I had to replace one of the capacitors to get it up and running again. About 10 min. after replacing it Danny had called and I was bitching about having to play electrician. Thinking he was about to learn some new technical information or another big word, Ole Danny started asking questions about how did I know which one to replace. In my most sincere and intelligent voice I explained that I went for the one that was smoking. We both got a good laugh out of that one. 

That is good plan unless the new one smokes too as soon as you try to turn it on!   :)

Letting the smoke out of electrical/electronic components is never good.
GAB

Hello everyone,

I have been a reader here for a decent bit, but never made an account or posted. While I am just a woodworker, the information you all provide and the materials for those who mill lumber is a gift that many woodworkers do not understand. 

But while the gift of milling hardwoods for the first time over construction lumber is something I think many woodworkers will never forget, I think it is people you met in that journey that are the real joy. Danny was, and now always will be, one of those people.

While I am only in my mid 20's, I do not believe that age is the "be all" metric it is always made out to be. I hope what follows can be encouraging for those who Danny better than I did, and should any family read this, know the blessing Danny was to me. I know this very long, I hope this does not break any rules. Please pardon the format as I am trying to make this readable, while still keeping a paragraph structure.



When speaking with my dad a few days ago, I listened to an update about his day, what's been going on, things of that nature. He had just met with an old acquaintance, someone who worked at my childhood church and knew me, when noticed a large amount of some nice pine slabs in his truck. 

Cue what I believe ever father does, my dad starts talking about me and all the many projects and hobbies I seem to find myself in. 

In that conversation, my dad brings up a kitchen table I made for my wife. Hard Maple top some with beautiful grain, tiger striping that only came out after finishing it, butterfly inlays with some Ipe, square 4in legs from some very tiger stripped maple and a nice ambrosia maple runner on the bottom to tie them together. This project was, without a doubt, the most complicated thing I have every made, and the nicest. I learned how to work a jointer, install dominos, sharpen chisels, create hand made mortise and tenons, the list goes on. This table means something to me.


While the table looks pretty nice, but it was also a neat thing to create because most of the wood was purchased from "Mr. Hamsley", who I meet when I was a kid. 


Seeing the wood in the back of the truck, and my father being handy enough to assemble a Lego set by only messing up on every other step, he asked where they got the wood from. He assumed they got it from Danny because over the years, I told him about what a blessing it was to have someone so close as there was nobody else I knew of within an hour that had hardwoods. This was also a blessing for him because that meant he didn't have to drive far whenever I asked for some help. 

The gentleman's face soured as he said, "nah, we had drive almost an hour south for these". My father chirps up with delight as he knew of a great resource close by! "Oh man, you should check out that place as you're going towards Hawkinsville! All that stuff I showed you my son made was milled there!" 

Little did my father know that was an important detail to add. 

"You mean Hamsley's? Out off the church in Hinesville?", the acquaintance ask. "Yes!", my father excitedly proclaims.

"Oh, he passed away last fall", the man remarked. 

My father protested it as I had just gotten some wood from Danny just last fall. Though he knew about Danny, he had only met him maybe a couple of times almost a decade before so the name did not immediately register. Hoping that it was a mix-up in names, he pressed back but it was clear that after some back and forth, they were talking about the same person. My dad did not want to call me.

Minutes before I was calling in to a meeting with a potential client for a large job, my father calls me and tells me news. I did not know what to say, but as I went to ask more questions, the client calls. 

After the meeting, I began to research and found this forum. I read through all 13 pages with some wet eyes and a heavy heart. There's a potential that during some of my excursions out there that I even came across some people from this very forum there. I learned even more about Danny than ever knew, and hope that even what I say can provide that for others. 





This back story as to how to learned about his passing an important detail. You see, I grew up about 15 minutes away from Danny.  I got into woodworking when I was around 11 years old, but potentially even younger. While most kids asked for bike, game console, or a cell phone at 11 (I did not get one for 2 more years), I asked for a miter saw. Nobody in my family was builder, carpenter, or anything of the sorts. My great grandfather's on both sides, Great Pappa and Pappaw, did some woodworking for fun, but never as their job. But long since had the time passed since they could get back into the shop. 

Great Pappa had already essentially passed before I was a teen, though Alzheimer's did not allow the mercy of Heaven for him for far too many years later. But for a few years, while his mind was still there, fighting to share the memories that time can never take away, I would hear stories about him and what he would build, as well as, what my great uncle would build. Though all these stories were just that, stories. Never ones I got to fully see.

But when it came to my other great granddad, Pappaw, his mind was still sharp for most of his life. Like most kids, I walked the well trodden, and later to be, regretful path of having to be "dragged" to my grandparents house to spend time with them. What did their house have that was better than what I had at home? After all, while I spent much of my time as kid playing with neighborhood friends and exploring the woods, I still had my fair share of some video games. 

After much begging, sometimes forcing, my Mother could drag me and my sister there. Looking back, it was wonderland that I was too blind to see. I learned how to sew, cook, explored their garden, and more. But there was one place that always beckoned me: his shop. 



Long since cared for, with a door that had been broken down by thieves more times than I can count, I would explore this building like a spelunking miner looking for gold. With only a single hanging bulb working, most of it was traversed with the old classic Coleman flashlight, complete with enough D batteries to beat a man. 

Papaw would show me tools, covered in dust. Explain what this does, what that's for, all these little devices and shinny things. Looking back, I wonder if he even knew what some of them were because I am pretty sure some of the tool names were made up. 

Though I was child, as I grew old, some of these tools were able to leave the shop and regain their purpose for the first time in many years. Each trip over there, I'd leave with a "new", and far too dull and rusted, hand saw, file, hammer, sand paper, and more. OSHA would not approve and frankly, I agree as all them were more dangerous for being dull than they ever would have been sharp. 

This exploration opened a side of me that I did not know I had. While I was a "tinker-er" as kid, building Lego sets right way the first time only to take it apart to invent something else later, woodworking provided a new avenue for me: Creation. 




I got to take something and build whatever I wanted! There was only one issue. See, I could get Lowe's to cut down plywood for me, I was given box after box of nails to bind boards together, but when it came to cutting down a 2x4, the handsaw just wasn't cutting it. I do literally mean that as I was given a 30tpi rusted 4in hacksaw for metal that I essentially would just friction burn my way through wood sitting on the deck or in the grass.

After many months of watching a truly astronomical amount of woodworking YouTube videos and plenty of Norm Abram (thanks ADHD) instead of doing my homework, I learned a lot about what I was doing wrong, and what I needed to do it right: A 10" blade spinning at a few thousand RPM power by some angry pixies. 



Needless to say, 10-11 year old me had to get my inner "you can't handle the truth" on, when summoning my parents to my hearings for this saw. Until one Christmas morning, I saw it: a 10" Skill Miter Saw. I thought I was given the keys to a Rolls Royce. 

Fast forward and the saw needed a home, which needed a workbench, which needed a place to go, which meant we would "only have to park 1 car outside", which meant I could get larger tools like a table saw, planer, and bandsaw, which then meant I needed an assembly table but it can be on wheels so I can only move the other car outside whenever I did a project. As you all probably already know, I gained an extra "room" in the house. 

During this time, projects went from benches to furniture, reclaiming pallets to planters, and 12-13 year old me was going to local shops trying to sell stuff I made. I think they paid me to leave and not for the stuff. 

But as the months passed, I was becoming less and less a fan of the big box special "pine, pine, and more pine". All the woodworkers I watched used Rift Sawn Oak, or Birdseye Maple, slabs of Walnut, inlays with Ipe, accents with Purple Heart and Ebony. While I wanted to use these, they uh "don't grow on trees" here in south Georgia. 

Luckily, my dad, doing again what dad's do best, oh so fatefully was sharing about what I had been building. But luckily, they knew of a new resource. A guy out in Hinesville that sells hardwoods. "You should take him out to Hamsley's Hardwoods!" 

My dad came home from work and the rest is history. 




He drove me out to this house and though we saw the sign, we were a bit apprehensive if this was the right place, and if it was safe. But as we pulled in, there in the yard, was about a 36" Oak just laying in the driveway. I think we were in the right place. 

Danny came out to met us. I was all of maybe 13-14 years old, with just enough sense to talk a little shop and share what I wanted. Danny had other plans and could sense my excitement and probably my nerves about wanting to seem knowledgeable and not stupid. He asked if we were in rush and though, moments before in the car my dad mentions how he does not want to spend all day here and this a "get what you need and go" operations, I chimed in quickly "nope, no rush". Just doing my job as a son. 


Danny gives me the tour. Shows me all the mills, how it's cut, what the different cuts are and what they mean. He shows different woods, how they have been processed. He explained grain, showed me different patterns and things he had made. Soon, our morning trip was being stolen by the setting evening sun. I told Danny what I wanted: some 8/4 walnut and maple. 


He took us inside and sat as I picked out boards. He quoted me the price and my heart sunk. This was no longer $3 2x4 pricing. I only had $100 that I got for my birthday and so I had to pour through the boards, finding one with right width and length as to not have too many board feet that I could not afford it. After a unstacking 7-8 pieces, I found one and he measured and it gave me the price. It was a lot lower and fit in the budget! He said "oh this stuff out here is not the best so I wont count it in the measurement". I still have some of this wood. The wood was fine, Danny was just helping a kid out. 

After cleaning the mess I made and Danny doing the same little trick for some walnut, we prepared to leave. I just had one issue: this was rough lumber. Danny asked what tools I had and remarked "how do you plan on getting it flat and square?" Well, I fixed many a problem (and created many more) with a belt sander and 60 grit, so I figured that would work here too. 

That wasn't good enough for Danny. 

Danny takes us to large roll up door and as it opens, I thought I was looking to heaven. All the large tools I saw online, suddenly before my eyes. He takes the wood I have, joints it and planes it, but left the straight line rip for me. "Can't do it all for you, now can I", Danny remarked. 

I noticed in the corner, that there was a large pile of wood but it was not neatly stacked. I asked him what that was he tells me it's scrap that they burn. Well that ain't scape to me! 

So Danny lets me rummage through this pile and take what I needed, and then also threw in some warped cookies of oak and a board of pecan.

I left a very happy camper. 



This project allowed me to make 5 cutting boards that I sold for a decent profit and I while I could have more boards, there was one piece of maple I really liked and did not want to use yet. So, off I went back to Danny's. 

As the years passed, my shop expanded, moved to my grandfathers old horse barn, and continued to grow until soon, high school passed and college came. 

The summer leading up to college, I did a lot of building and selling, making trips to Danny for more wood. I was trying to bank as much money as I could, while work 70 hour weeks on a blackberry farm in a record heat summer. But soon, the week arrived and I had to leave for school. 

I locked up the shop but during that first semester, would still stop by if I needed something made. Christmas came and gifts were made, all from Danny's supply and as I prepared for spring semester to start, I got quite a few complements on what I had made and I really thought about coming home more often to build. But, I locked the shop up and left for what I thought would have been a few weeks.

6 years passed before I came back.



College came and went. Though I had an entrepreneurial spirit and had "started a business" as a kid, it is a little hard to move an entire woodshop into a dorm room. But I made it up with 3D printers and other hobbies. During this time, I started two companies that I still run today. Woodworking was still a part of me and I would relish the chance to do it again, but only could share it with others in stories 

After school, I stayed in town a couple years working while my then girlfriend, now blessing of a wife, finished nursing school. I would tell her stories about growing up building things, show her photos or videos of some of my creations. Without fail, every holiday my grandfather would show anyone who came the furniture I made in house there and in the mountains. But my favorite thing was when someone who had one of my cutting boards would come because then, I could share about hardwoods and Danny. 

Remnants of my first love were found in these projects, tools still scattered in the garage and workbenches that had become catch-all's, all these told parts of the tales I shared. But soon, a new option approached.


 When me and my wife were engaged, we found a house for rent. But, not just a house, but a house with a garage. Not only this, but this garage was decently beat up and needed to be repaired and painted. So, with some much improved skills in persuasion, I asked my landlord if I could put a shop in here if I fix the walls when we move out. 

He gave a dangerous answer: Yes



Full steam ahead did my wheels go. Like my childhood explorations in my pappaws shop, I ventured back to my old shop after so many years where I used to spend days and nights alone, working on projects. This time, I was not alone. 


After many attempts to find the right key, suddenly on the last keyring, we made the right selection. The door swung open to dark room except this time, I could cut on lights. There was my old shop. My fiancé and I, with my dad and grandfather in tow, slowly cleaned years of dust, wiped down mold from where water had gotten in, and inventoried what I had, more sadly, what all was ruined. At some point, my grandfather told me, the door had come open when he came down to the barn to get some backup animal feed. Though he shut the door, for months or years, it had been an open home to bugs and animals, and rain could easily blow in. 

Most of the shop was a hazmat zone from dust and goat poop. Except in one area, in tightly sealed box, was all the wood I had as a kid. Though much of the shop was ruined, all this was perfectly spared. 

Trip after trip, we prepared the shop to be moved and I could feel my old desires coming alive again. Though sputtering to life, I felt alive in this process. Tools were cleaned, benches were fixed, shop projects were made, my 1980's Craftsman Table Saw that I restored purred to life for the first time in too long. 

But throughout this process, I was excited for one thing. I kept repeating to my family, my fiancé, and friends who knew me growing up the same thing: I can't wait to go to Mr. Hamsley's. 

I moved into our house a few months before we got married and prepared it for us to move in. That included getting the shop into some semblance of something passable. As fall approached and we settled in to married life, we had a persistent issue: we don't have a table. 

Being the woodworker I am, I could not stand to pay the COVID prices for a cardboard table, and could not afford the COVID prices for a real one. So, I told my wife I would make her one and that meant one thing: going to see Mr. Hamsley. 



I was not sure, after all these years had passed, what the best way to contact him again was. So I pulled up the contact I still had and gave him a rang. I introduced myself and we chatted for bit after I jogged his memory of when I was kid. I tried to set up a time to meet as I lived 2 hours from him, but the weather was not behaving. Weeks passed until we could set a time to meet. But one Saturday, I got to go back to where it really all started. 

You see, had Danny not cut me a deal all those years before, I would have never made the money I needed to get the tools I wanted in order to grow my shop and I probably would have stopped woodworking for a very long time. I took my wife through the halls I walked over decade before. Showed her where the various stories she knew occurred and started to search for the lumber we wanted. But oh so fitting, did the story play out. 

Though cost was less of an issue, there were a few tools I did not have. As me and Danny went though stacks of maple to find good pieces for the top and legs I wanted, the cost constraints of a newly married couple became more real. 

Several of the boards were perfect, but either too long or were going to be wasted in milling panels for a top. So, like Danny did before, out came the track saw and we milled the pieces to be useable sizes to save on cost. During the downtime, I learned more and more about what had transpired in his life over the those years I had not visited. The hard times and struggles that I will not share here, but the hope and gentleness he handled them with was encouraging for me and my wife. 

Hours passed as we listened to Danny and provided an open set of ears to hear. Soon, evening had come and gone and night was pressing on. We loaded the wood, I exchanged a small stack of dead Presidents. I told Danny I was happy to see him and looking forward to coming down more often. 

Danny sighed and said "I don't know how much longer I will doing this. I don't have as much help as I need and I am getting old." As someone who never turns down a chance to help and learn, I offered to come down and help during Thanksgiving or Christmas to help. It would be a great experience for me. 

Danny kindly accepted and told me to be sure to send him photos of the table when I finished it. My wife and I spoke a little longer with him about some of things he mentioned, and then headed off. 



A couple months passed before table top was done. Work and life just got in the way. All that was left were the legs, but the plans for legs changed. The once planned metal legs become wooden, and their style too was soon changed. After checking the boards, I did not think this was an issue. Over a couple weeks, I milled it all up and started making the feet and runners. Progress was slow but steady and I completed one leg to confirm the design with the wife. With all green lights, I started on the other leg but disaster stuck. 

When laying out the final leg, the truly final piece of the project, I realized I made a mistake and used what was meant to be the leg for the 2nd piece as part of the foot on the first. I remember when doing the foot, wondering why one piece was a little longer but figured it was the just leftover and planned on milling them to size after the glue up anyways. 

So, seemingly out of wood, I prepped to drive two hours to middle Georgia to get some wood from Danny. I wanted it all to match and he had quite a bit from that single tree I got mine from. 

But as I thought of what to do, an idea hit me: Don't I have a decent size piece of 8/4 maple that I bought from Danny the first time? I remember saving it, but never used part of it because it had beautiful grain that would be wasted in the end grain cutting boards I made at the time. 

I went through the wood I had and grabbed the piece to measure it. It had 1/8" to spare, and though cut from a tree a decade before, matched perfectly. 


I finished the whole assembly on the week of September 18th. During this time, I was designing a roll of roof observatory in my backyard and travel for work was picking up. I was at a cross road: I could apply finish to table that week and have it done by the 19-20th, or wait a couple weeks for when work was going to slow down and I could CAD in the meantime to prepare for the build. My wife  mentioned that since we don't have chairs yet, just let it sit and we can finish it later. 

So, I waited to apply finish until very end of September. 



While I was excited to show my wife and family, I would be lying if I said I was not excited to show Danny. Almost a "look, I have come full circle from some kid making cutting boards to something actually nice". I applied the final coat of Rubio Monocote on Friday, October 1st left town for work and to give it a few days to cure before the "big reveal"

I snapped a photo on the morning of October 3rd, 2022, and first person I sent it to was Danny. I was excited to hear what he would say. I did not know that chance had passed.

As days moved forward, I honestly got a little sad. I was proud and wanted him to see it. I can't explain why, because I had plenty of affirmations from those around me. There was just something nagging at me and wanting to see what he thoughts. 

A few other projects came up and I called to see if I could schedule a time to get some wood, but never heard anything. So, I searched for new place supplier. The place I found was nothing compared to what Danny had.

I had mentioned this to a few friends of mine and commented how I was very shocked to not hear back. Me and my wife just assumed it was due to some of the aforementioned things he spoke to us about. But I moved on.




And now we are here, after a very long story. While the post might seem as if I have spoken more about myself than I have Danny, that could not be further from the truth. I am who I am, in no small part, because of what Danny did so long ago. A small act of kindness changed me and enabled me to pursue a dream, start 3 business, and help serve many people with this gift God has given me, and so much more. Every part of what I wrote after that first meeting would have never happened. Danny's fingerprints are all over each one of those years.



As wise man once wrote in pretty well known book, "It has been appointed for man to die once.." and my paraphrase for what follows is that after death, for some, joy is to follow. 

No matter how much money you have, knowledge you retain, looks you flaunt, status you create, or skills you posses, you cannot steal what is given when someone lives a genuine life that has an impact of those around them. It stands the test of time and creates change the can last generations. Had Danny never cut me deal, I might would have never done woodworking again. But because he did, my life is changed, my families are changed, and my children will have the chance to learn this same hobby.

Much like this interest or hobby or job we all share, felling a tree is not the final chapter. A fallen tree, though no longer alive, is now used for the good of those around it. Danny did that and I believe that is something we can all strive to be like. 

I find very fitting that the table I poured myself into was only able to be completed with that original piece of wood I got from Danny. 

We all come into this world looking like our parents, but we leave it looking like our choices. Danny made a very good choice over 15 years ago, I only hope I can steward it well so the same can be said about me. 

Now that's a story about 2 men that love wood!!!!
Now it's your turn to help out a young boy that loves wood.

I am smiling through my tears.

Thank You 2X2Designs for sharing your wonderful recollections and tribute. 

Our Collective Love for Danny will forever bond us together as we make our journey toward forever.

What a wonderful tribute to Danny.  :)   I had a teacher growing up that influenced me like Danny did you. Often when conversing with Danny, I would remember Mr. Lewis. 

2x2Designs:
First off welcome to the forestry forum.
Your post was a long read, but well worth the time in my opinion.
Danny influenced you and many others in his life.
Now it is our turn.
GAB

2X2 You Sir are going to go far in life and do fine doing it. I can't express what your story meant to me. I'm not sure where you are living now but want to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your family to the 2023 sawing project next month. There is a post about it on the sawmill board. Some of Danny's family are going to be here and lots of his friends from here will join in. We are going to celebrate knowing Danny and the love he had for all things wood. You are welcome to come by my place any time you so desire even if you just want some "scraps".

That was WDH.  Great post.  

Danny would be proud, if nothing else than for the prodigiously effectual utilization of paragraphical spacing. ;D

He loved him some big words! :)

Wonderful post 2x2 designs.  Simply wonderful.

A great post and read to see how Danny and wood have influenced your life. Thank you for a great story.

A wonderful read, 2x2design.
It sounds like you may be embracing Danny's 'pay it forward' philosophy of life.

A great read and tribute to Danny.

 2x2  amazing story, don't be a stranger, you are welcome here.  Share your projects if your time allows. I'm sure others besides me would like to see that table..That was a great tribute.

Wow

I am truly at a loss for words and am moved by yall's kindness. I never thought my words would seemingly mean so much to some people, but from the post here and messages I have gotten, I am honored and I truly hope I can fill my end of the deal by paying Danny's generosity forward.

All I can say is WOW!! That was a fantastic story. I only met Danny once but found a friend in him on the spot. He treated me like he had known me all my life. He was truly a gentleman and though I only met him once the pleasure was all mine.
Thank you @2x2 Designs for the great story.

Brent

 Great story. To any of you who had a mentor you can feel those times with them again. :) :) :) 8)

I don't have much else to say other than today is one of those days I miss my friend. He is still so much more than a friend. Gone to soon. Rest in peace my brother.

Today marks one year since our Friend has passed. I miss him everyday and think of him often. Wishing you were still here Danny Boy.

I have two of the little coaster sized wooden engravings that Doc Henderson sent to the project last April with an image of Danny on them.  I keep one in my truck where I store my key and one on my desk.  I see each of them every day and they remind me of our friend.  

It is hard to believe that a year has passed already.

It is a true testament to a Man's contribution to his fellows that the value of what he gave is treasured in years down the road. Danny was a rare one.
 I come across an old post of his here and there and it all comes back, what little I knew of him, which is still enough to know his fiber. (Danny had a persistent habit of reminding me that I did not leave enough space between my paragraphs.) I look at that sawing project coaster on my desk every morning and give a little smile.
 I lost a very dear friend back in 2015 and understand how we can literally miss them everyday. They were a part of us and now we miss having that part present in our daily lives. I don't know if that feeling goes away yet, but I kind of like having it around because it reminds me of a lot of good stuff.
 I'll be thinking about all you guys who had a closer connection to him today. I have an idea what's on your mind. God Bless.

I was just thinking it's been a year since Danny's passing.
Last September I had 2 major funerals here within a couple weeks time, one I was a pall bearer, and the other I played for the service. Soon after Danny passed, and it was just a tough time to get through. Seeing his friends and family at Jake's place last April was a good way for those of us who couldn't get to the funeral remember the good times, and the positive impact he had on so many.

Had 2 different customers I was talking to recently about tree's, leaves, wood types and what quality of lumber they make. Told them about a guy I had known, who could identify any tree that ever growed... still miss Danny.

We had some offline communication that I treasure.  I wish I could have been there.  glad the coasters added something.

RIP Danny.

A nice guy that I miss.

I think of Danny with almost every thing I do having to do with milling or drying wood.  I knew Danny originally from a woodworking site I was a member of.  Another of my friends from that site introduced me to Danny and got me to join here.  Sadly they are both gone and I miss them both.  Not long ago I deleted Danny's phone number from my phone.  Rest in peace, friend.