David Dewey Auer Jr., 82, longtime Hoquiam resident and former forester with Rayonier, died Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington.

Dave was born on Aug. 11, 1939, in Aberdeen to David Dewey and Jane (Mulligan) Auer Sr. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen in the class of 1957.

Dave enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and was stationed on the USS Brown, Fletcher-class destroyer. He was a gunner’s mate Petty Officer 2nd class in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged after six years.

Dave went on to work for Rayonier in 1964 as a draftsman in the land department. Over the years, he had various responsibilities for operational forestry activities and at the age of 60, after 30+ years of dedicated service, retired as a supervisor of the harvest activities related to the location, layout and appraisal of salvage areas.

Dave was a member of the Eagles, Elks, the Aberdeen 40 et 8, Aberdeen VFW Post 224, the Poggie Club and the Rocky Mt. Elks Foundation.

Dave was a great outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting and camping. For many years, he went on an annual hunting trip with friends. They would travel to Chelan and take the ferry to Stehekin where guides would be waiting with pack horses and riding horses. They traveled up in the mountains, set up camp, and hunted for 10 to 12 days. He loved that yearly trek, took many pictures and always had entertaining stories to share.

Dave also loved hiking and fishing. He would hike in the forests around Grays Harbor and often had his fishing gear “just in case” he got to one of the many fishing holes he knew! Later, he bought himself a fishing boat and enjoyed trips on the nearby waterways!

Dave enjoyed socializing with friends and family. He never missed an opportunity to attend dinners and parties at Rayonier company events, the Elks, Eagles, in addition to birthday and holiday family gatherings.

Dave moved to Belfair in 2014 to be near his daughter, Courtney and family. While there, he was able to receive the care he needed. His interests at that time included quality time with his grandson, Jacob and his dog Marley, going on walks and working around the property.

Dave is survived by his son, David Auer of Elma; two daughters: Janie Robecker of Alaska and Courtney (Nick) Norwil of Belfair; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Dave’s life on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. in Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home Chapel. A reception will follow at Events at Emerson in Hoquiam. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.