Daniel W. Hartt passed away at Pacific Care Rehabilitation Center in Hoquiam, Washington, on March 20, 2024 after a long illness.
He was born on July 4, 1945 to Edna May Heisen and Walter Albert Hartt at St. Joseph Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington. He was raised by his Mother Edna and Stepfather, George Bridges along with his six siblings. At a young age, they lived on a farm in Porter, Washington until moving back to Aberdeen. Dan graduated from Weatherwax High school in 1965. He served in the US Navy for four years aboard the USS Theodore Chandler. He learned how to weld while in the Navy and became a skilled welder.
Upon returning home, Dan worked at several local mills where he learned how to saw shakes. In 1980 he and his longtime friend John Hughes along with Glenn Kokko started Universal Refiner. There they designed and built grinders and sold them nationwide to the saw mill and pulp industry. Dan was the Production manager and remained a partner until his death.
In the ’70s, he purchased an empty rundown apartment building in Aberdeen and refurbished one unit to reside in and then over the course of several years, refurbished each unit until they were all rentable.
He lived there and continued maintaining them until his illness began in March of 2019.
He was a hard worker and never asked anyone for help but he was the first one in line to help anyone in need. He was a kind man to everyone. Loyal and respected by all, he was a man of his word. If he said he’d do it, he did it.
Family came first with him. He was especially close with his two nieces, Gina (Tom) Peebles and Dana (Shane) Chapin and his three great-nieces, Gessica (Jason) Chase, Alyssa (Kris) Kay and Vanessa (Jace) Bullington. He was part of all their lives growing up and was an active participant in their school activities and everyday events. Several years later he was blessed with two great-great-nieces and three great-great-nephews. He continued being involved in all their lives and always made time for them. They all referred to him as “UNK” or Uncle Uno. Dan was fortunate and had many other nieces and nephews that he also loved and cherished.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna Bridges, his brother Bob Hartt, his niece Lisa Jewell and his nephew Lance Hartt. He is survived by his nieces and nephews listed above and by his two sisters Sandra (Bill) Blackburn of Olympia, Washington and Patricia Griswold also of Olympia, his three brothers: Donald R. Bridges of Hoquiam, Charles (Lisa) Bridges of Hoquiam and Kenneth Bridges of Aberdeen. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and longtime friend, Roberta (Terry) Timmons and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Please join us in celebrating Dan’s life on Thursday, April 4th from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Aberdeen Elks Club #593. Lunch will be served.
