Ralph Donald Daniels, 91, longtime Montesano resident and former Longshoreman with ILWU #24 in Aberdeen, passed away on Jan. 18, 2022, at his home in Montesano, Washington.

Ralph was born on April 15, 1930, on the family farm in Bruce Crossing, Michigan to George and Alina (Niemi) Daniels where he grew up and attended school. Following his time in school, he went to work for the railroads. Then in 1951, he joined the U.S. Army. After receiving serious injuries in an army jeep accident he was honorably discharged in September 1952.

He decided to visit his sister in the Harbor following his discharge and fell for a local girl, Joyce Mary Brittian. They were married on Jan. 9, 1954, in the little white church in Satsop, Washington. She resides at the family home.

Following their marriage, they moved to Hoquiam and then to Central Park before moving to the Twin Bridges area. They made their home there for over 50 years.

Ralph worked for the ILWU #24 from 1954 until his retirement in 1985. He was the oldest living member of the union at the time of his passing. He was a charter member of the Longshore Federal Credit Union and a past member of the Eagles.

He loved people, going out to eat, hanging out at the Rusty Tractor every morning for coffee to play pull tabs and shoot the breeze with his buddies. He never met a stranger and his innate cheerfulness was shared with everyone. He enjoyed woodworking and was a premier craftsman that took his time and did it right. He made each of his daughters hope chests which they cherish.

Ralph was a devoted husband. Joyce was the love of his life. The two of them were mostly seen together as they would often finish each other’s sentences. Together they made their house a home and raised their children to work hard and respect others.

Ralph is survived by three sons: Bruce and companion Beth Duvall of Aberdeen, Gene (JoAnna) Daniels of Commerce, Texas and Duane (Sharon) Daniels of Elma, Washington; two daughters: Tammy Hamilton and companion Jesse Owens of Lake City, Michigan and Lori (John) Maki of Aberdeen; a brother Clifford Daniels of Ontonagon, Michigan; eight grandchildren: Brandie, Cody, Clayton, Dillon, Brittian, Benjamin, Tiffany and Heather; five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by Dave (Theresa) McCullough of Montesano, who is like a son and very much part of the family. Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers: Ray, Roy and Edward Daniels and two sisters, Evelyn Kangas and Olga Ogren.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date and inurnment will take place at Wynooche Cemetery, Montesano, Washington.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.