Obituary of Garrett Lee Danner

Garrett Lee “Whitey” Danner Garrett Lee “Whitey” Danner passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 19, 2014, surrounded by his family at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Whitey was born on March 7, 1941, to Myrtle Wright Logan. He grew up in Cosmopolis, lived most of his life in Montesano, and retired to Mesa, Arizona. He was nicknamed Whitey as a young boy playing baseball because of his striking white hair. To this day, most people know him as Whitey. When he graduated from Cosmopolis in 8th grade, he was a recipient of the Cooney Award, given to the boy and girl with the highest GPAs. He excelled in his favorite class, math, and passed that aptitude on to his kids. He served in the U.S. Army, worked at Grays Harbor Paper, and owned Harbor Drywall. There didn’t seem to be anything Whitey couldn’t do (or figure out a way to do), such as fixing cars, wiring, plumbing, drywall, or building houses. Whitey was the original MacGyver of building techniques, always coming up with new ideas, and he loved to share them. Whitey had a generous heart and enjoyed helping people. He touched the lives of many through offering his handyman skills, buying them a beer, loaning out tools, or engaging in conversation. He made friends wherever he went. He and his previous wife, Sandy Danner, raised their children in Montesano. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. He enjoyed golfing with friends and achieved a hole-in-one at Oaksridge in 1994. He maintained his trademark sense of humor and independence all the way to the end. He is survived by his daughter, Patty Danner (Steve Barrett); daughter, Diane (Eric) Lenius; son, Kevin Rory Danner; six grandchildren, Natalie, Melissa, Jason, Evan, Coleman, and Owen; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved mom, Myrtle Logan, and beloved brother, Ralph “Tubby” Danner. He is also survived by his siblings, Jean Watkins, Judy Ledesma, and Patrick Galligan, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests all donations be sent to the Union Gospel Mission in Aberdeen. In years past, Whitey would often eat lunch at the old Smoke Shop and send a plate out for someone who needed the meal. Please leave memories of Whitey or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.