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Daniel Wayne Ham
09/26/1953 — 11/02/2005
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Toppenish, Washington
Daniel Wayne Ham
Daniel Wayne Ham, loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed away November 2nd, 2005 in Richland, WA at the age of 52. Danny was born in Toppenish, WA on September 26, 1953 to Mary and Dale Ham. Danny's family moved to Richland, WA in 1960 where he and his brothers and sister grew up. Danny was a funny little kid with an unmistakable laugh, and eyes that all but disappeared when he was laughing. Danny graduated from Richland High School in 1972 and then joined the service, since he was going to be drafted anyways. He always said that was the only lottery he'd ever won. During his time in the army, Danny was stationed at Checkpoint Charlie in East Berlin where he guarded Rudolph Hess, from 1972-1974. Upon his discharge he returned home and married the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Barby Hogan on October 4th, 1975. They moved to Kennewick, and had a daughter Angela in 1981. Another daughter Molly, was born in 1984 after Barb and Dan moved to Richland in 1983. Dan worked for Exxon ANF, Siemens, Framatome for 29 years as an engineering technician. Danny enjoyed the outdoors, watching his girls play softball every summer trying to break his previous seasons hotdog eating count. His thirst for knowledge fueled his love of reading and arguing politics with various family members you know who you are.... If you ever saw Dan driving around the Tri-Cities, he was probably on his endless quest for his favorite Popsic1e of all time, the Its-A-Ka-Doozie. Once they discontinued the Its-A-Ka-Doozie, Dan never ate a Popsic1e again. Danny was a joy to be around and didn't have an enemy in the world. He will truly be missed and always loved by all who had the privilege to meet him. Danny touched countless lives and all are better to have known him. Danny is survived by his wife, Barby, daughters Angela and Molly, and best pal Boomer the Bassett Hound. He is survived also by his Mother, Mary Richland, brothers Jack Richland, Joel Richland, sister Julie Richland, and countless brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews whom he all dearly loved. Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Dale. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at Einans Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Ham family for the loss of Danny. Danny Hambonewas always a pleasure to be around, Ya just felt good in his presence. What a good friend and co-worker. Fondest memories with Danny were going out to lunch occasionally with several co- workers for a burger and a couple of beers before beer at lunch time became a felony. Everyone who knew Danny will miss him. When i told our daughter Danielle about Danny’s passing she said “Oh No, what a sweet man”. Danny was indeed that and much more.
Ken,Tammy,Danielle and Ryan Deery
Dear Julie-
I just wanted to you to know how sorry I am for the loss of your brother Dan. I didn’t know him, but he sounds like a great guy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Take care,
Kellie Walsh Patterson, ’77
Barb & Girls, Jack and rest of family:
My heart goes out to you all with the loss of Danny. We have lost a Richland icon. He was a fixture !! You will always have the memories. He was truly a great guy, loved by all. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you. I’ll always remember Danny.
God Bless You All,
Dwight Carey
Thank you everybody for your kind thoughts and words. Its sad to think that we only say this too each other in times of sorrow and pain. I just want everyone to know that my dad never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Not an enemy in the world. To know him was to love him, and I loved him very much. At least he is not in pain anymore and he’s up there laughing with Grandpa Dale and Aunt Lisa…watching over us. I love you Daddy…I will always be your little girl.
A.C.
So many memories – so little time. Teaching me how to drive, all the times the boat broke down when he and Barb went on the river with us, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “God Bless us everyone” I know only the family will know what I’m talking about – oh well, too many others to name in such a short space. I was the luckiest sister on the face of the earth and I’m glad my kids had a chance to know him and are old enough to enjoy the memories, too. Danny holds a special place in my heart – always has – always will. I love you big guy!
Your sister
Julie
Dearest Barb and girls:
I can’t imagine the void you must be feeling in your lives. The thing that got me through my sisters’ deaths is to remember they are a part of my soul and heart and will never die there. I hope this helps you, too. Barb, you and Danny were always so thoughtful with remembering Becky on memorial day with flowers. Thank you and I hope that I can return such kindness one day. God is with you and will bless you and give you strength to get you through this. Much friendship and love,
Lynn Noble Paden
We are so sorry for the loss of Dan. he was was one of the good guys in life. When i try and think of a single memory i can’t, i just come up with a lot of them. From Bomber football games to bowling party’s to costume party’s. he did look good in a French maid outfitHe alway’s laughed at what i said, regardless if it was funny or not. he was a good sport.
Barb, you and the girls along with a ton of other peoplewere blessed to have had him in your lifes. His menory will live forever!
Barb, you and the girls take care and god bless you all.
Danny’s been like a brother to me since I was 12. Such a sweet, loving and funny man. Sometimes he was the straight man to Barb’s comedies of errors. One of my favorites was when she flipped a table at my house, sending a full crockpot of meatballs all over my new carpet. Dan just rolled his eyes and laughed. I can still hear his voice – “Barb!” He did that A LOT. Playing Balderdash with Dan and the rest of the Hams was always hilarious. He always came up with the most imaginative answers. We’d go from giggling to rolling on the floor laughing with tears running down our faces.
Then there’s the song “Must Have Got Lost”. Only a few of us will get that reference. Pretty funny, though.
So many wonderful memories. I love ya Dan.
Suzy
Barb
We are so very sorry for the loss of Danny. He was a good man and a good human being. It was a privelage and an honor to know him. We consider him and you as freinds. We will miss him
I will always remember Danny’s smile. My heartfelt sympathy and best wishes for the future to Barb and family.
Gale
To Barb, Jody and the rest of the Ham clan,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Dan.I remember hanging around with Jody in my younger years and often running into Danny. He always had a snide, smart ass remark, always delivered in Danny Ham fashion. Later on I e-mailed with him a couple times and ran into him ocassionally around town – still the prankster.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Think of all the good times he brought you and don’t let the loss consume you and he will forever remain in your hearts. He wouldn’t want it any other way.
Take care,
Mike Davis
Julie, and the Ham family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers. Jeanne LaCroix Grant
I’m sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He always made me laugh. I asked him once what his time was like in the army and in Danny-fashion he said “mostly I stayed down in my fox hole and raised my gun over my head, firing blindly at whatever was out there” he mimicked shaking his arms over his head with his eyes closed. I could not stop laughing at how much sense this made coming from Danny. It was not some polished picture, but more how things really are. He had that knack. My thoughts and sympathies are with the family. May you find some smiles through your tears when you think of him. –Brett
To my Aunt Barb and my two closes cousins I truly very sorry that Danny was taken so earliy in life. I will miss seeing him mow his lawn while I mow my moms lawn, and talking to him while we watched Boomer and Rocky play. There are to many memories to list since I have known him my whole life, but they are all great memories and I am very thankful to have had Danny as my uncle. Barb, Angie, and Molly I love you girls very much.
My love and prays, Holly
Barb and Girls: Linda and I are truely sorrowed by Dan’s passing. He was a fantastic person, as you all know. You are in our prayers at this time of loss. We love you and wish you the best in the future.
Barb & Family: With heart felt sympathy: Everyone said that you & Dan were the one who would spend a lifetime together all through school, but who is to know what the good Lord conciders a life time? Just hold on to all the beautiful memmories. Believe it does help. An old classmate Debby Heckathorn Lane
I am so very sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. We had alot of fun at those partys that I DJ’d and I hope that the fun will not stop. I will keep you all in my heart. God Bless. Bear
Barb and Family:
I picked up the news this morning of Dan’s passing. While I haven’t lived in town for a long time, my memories of Dan in high school are vivid. To me, while we were going to high school, he always seemed so tough and strong. I was more than a little scared of him!! As we got older and I saw Dan after I graduated from college and came home for reunions, I saw him quite differently. He was very kind, with a quick smile and willing to communicate and share. I really enjoyed those times, finding that as we got older we had quite a bit to talk about. It is truly amazing what a little time does.
I can only hope that time brings peace to you as well. I can only imagine how difficult this is and want you to know my thoughts are with you. Dan will truly be missed. God Bless.
This is a Thankyou to all of the wonderful friends and family that have written in such wonderful things about Danny. He truly was one of a kind and I was lucky to be his wife and partner. Our time together was too short but the memories will go on for ever. Thanks again to all the wonderful people that showed their respect at his memorial, he would have been stunned and humbled as well…Thanks again and God Bless each and every one of you.
Always,
Barby Ham
Barb, Molly and Angie,
Even though it’s been along time since I have seen your family, I still remember Dan’s smile, laugh and voice very clearly. I have so many fun memories of the “softball years”. The earliest memory was when Hailey was 3 and she “flashed” Dan!! I didn’t know a person had that many shades of red? Hailey is now 13 and a little embarrassed but remembers Dan ALWAYS being very kind to her. Dan was wonderful to me when my mother got sick. He came to the hospital to see her. He said he had many things he wanted her to know. As emotional and difficult as it was for him, he gave my mother and myself a great gift that day. I think all of us want to know what we mean to others. Thank you Dan!!
My heart goes out to your family. I pray that you find comfort and strength from the memories of Dan that you share.
God Bless your family.
Michelle, Gary, Breanne, Megan, Courtney, Hailey, Elijah and Noah
Dear Barb,
I remember Danny as one of the most fearsome foursomes I had ever met in my adolescence. When I moved to Richland in 1968, weeks before entering the 9th grade, I had an initial encounter with the scariest part of that foursome, Doug Davis and Rusty Kraber. I was walking down Symons and as the two approached from the opposite direction, jean clad and no shirts, my cousin warned me that they were your qintessential “bad” boys. They had some sneary comment to make that 14 year old boys find irresistable when approaching two gawky, giggling girls. Rusty always reminded me of the bully antagonist from “The Christmas Story.” I’m sure I said something inappropriately appropriate to him.
He was just plain ornery. And Doug, well, when I landed in Mrs. Gold’s homeroom at Cheif Joseph Jr. High, he was a 24-7, pain in the, yes. Gary Hickey and Danny were the other half of this equation. I remember Danny as quiet, watchful, and usually polite. He was just guilty by association. Gary was even quiter, but still one of them bad boys.
Danny was in my math class, with Mr. Barnard, I think that was his name. Although the teacher’s name might be forgettable, his coffee drinking, smoker’s breath was not. And the daily joke was to set a bottle of mouth wash on his desk. I don’t think he ever got the hint, but I do digress.
Being new in a small, clickish town was not easy. I thought I had been dropped into dreebville. Everything was different. Hairstyle, clothing, shoes: my gosh who wears black and white saddle shoes? Sooooooo uncool, in Seattle, we wore brown and tan. As the year progressed, I did make friends and one spring day, I found myself wearing my hair flipped up instead of curled under: a one hundred and eighty degree difference from how I would have worn it, but much the rage here in the Tri Cities: just check out the ’69 year book of those great Cheif Joseph Warriors, to see what I mean. Anyway, that particular day I remember Danny looking up at me in class before I sat down and telling me he liked my hair. I was flabbergasted. What a nice thing to say, and from one of those scary, bad boys. I will always remember Danny for that, taking a little bit of scare out of that fearsome foursome and making me feel a little more comfortable in a strange place that started to feel a little bit more like home.
Thanks, Danny. I hope someone is just as kind to you on your journey home.
Jana
I don’t think I ever met anyone who didn’t like my brother.Although I sometimes referred to him as my little brother,he was much bigger than me in so many ways.I’ll miss the times we spent together on the river,Bomber games,fishing,fantasy football,and holidays.But what I think I’ll miss the most is his voice,especially his laugh.He will be with me forever,never forgotten, and my companion for the rest of my life.I love you Dan.I’m sorry I kicked you in the shins when we were little.You can pay me back the next time you see me. Jack
To Barby and Family.
I worked with Dan for alot of years. I use to pick him up for work and when I was hired at Exxon, he is the first person that I work with.The first couple of Days I was there Dan played a trick on me that I will never forget. He left the hood where we were loading rods, on a four man hood crew and had someone call my name over the speakers and say to call the operator. He did it perfect. He no more than got back and started loading with me when my name came over and I went to the phone to answer it. Of course it was a not real and the operator thought I had lost it. I came back and told the crew I don’t understand, the operator said no one had called for me. I just shook my head. Findly Dan broke down and started laughing cause I was so upset. I looked at him and said, I’ll get you back for this if it takes me 20 years. After 15 years I did get him back. Steve Akins and I were talking in the Etch room just shortly before Lunch one day and Dan ran out of his office and was heading out the door. I picked up the phone and said, Dan Ham call the operator please, Dan Ham call the operator. Dan came to a stop and ran back to his office. Steve and I peeked in and there were 3 other people in the office with him. He was shaking his head and saying the operator said she didn’t call me. Then he looked over at the door and saw steve and I and I said, I gotta Dan–15 years and I gotta. He just cracked up and we had a good laugh. He was always pulling something like turning the lights out on ya when you went to the bathroom and leaving ya in the dark. I make him pay for that one. I got him back so many time that he begged with me to stop. He was the best. God Bless Barby and the family of this great man. I loved him as a brother.I will miss him.
I knew Dan through work and work related functions. I really enjoyed Dan’s presence as he always brought his humor and politics to liven up any conversation. Since I have been retired for a few years, I was really shocked to read this news. Dan was a good man that I was privileged to know and share work. Kurt Johnson
Dear Barb,
I heard about the service too late to make it. As you.know, Dan and I met at Col High and worked together for 23 years. Dan never lost his humor or the mischievous gleam in his eye. Dan got some bad shakes in life, but also some great blessings. I will sure miss running into him around town.
Dave
dear jack, joel and julie
words cannot adequately express my sorrow you have in the loss of danny.
i had the privlege of knowing danny as a coach at chief jo. i was an assistant coach of football and dan was on the team. he was an awesome player and more important a great person. he had a great attitude towards everyone on the team and me too. what ever he lacked in size he made up for in determination, hustle, desire. i have always treasured the honor it was to be associated with danny. in recent years we emailed each other some; he was still very supportive and nice to me.
i just want to express my sincere feelings of sympathy for you and your family in this loss. i am thankful of the times we did have.
may GOD BLESS YOU and your family.
ray hall, coach and friend
Barb, Angie, and Molly,
The service for Dan was beautiful. What an awesome guy to have had so many people show up at his memorial service. Very sorry for your loss. Ruth Richman
Dear Barb,
Danny’s memorial service was a stunning tribute to his kindness and human understanding. I was overwhelmed by the turnout, but not surprised. I think about you everyday. I wish you and the girls peace and comfort.
Sincerely, Jana
I was younger so Dan was Joel’s older brother to me, but I have great memories of the Ham house and the neighborhood fun. I was at Danny’s going-into-the-army party, “Ten Years After” was playing on the stereo and . . . . well I can’t remember, the room was awful smoky and the keg got emptied fast. I knew Barb as the older sister of my CK grade schoolmate Brian and I offer my sincere condolences to all the family.
Jan Gregor
I was very saddened to hear of Danny’s passing. Although I had not seen him in recent years, I have vivid memories of him leaping into the air at full gallop to catch a pass during many a Chief Jo football game. He was a great guy. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Danny was a good-hearted person who was loved by us all. I absolutely cannot picture his face without that brilliant, contagious smile!
Barb and girls, I know you’ll miss him forever and always. Hugs to you all, and I’ll be praying for God’s comfort to help you through this sad time.
Barb, Angie and Molly,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. Dan was a wonderful man. Our families shared many weekends on the softball fields watching our girls. Boy he loved watching his girls play softball. He truly will be missed.
Mary, Tim, Nancy and David Coates
Barb and family. Wish I knew what to say to help you with these times. We know that Danny will be missed by many, many people. All that he can be proud to know that they called him “Friend”
My thoughts and best wishes are with you, and always remember that I’m here for you.
Barb & family – Sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are going your way. Dan was a fun guy to be around. Paths didn’t cross a whole bunch but when they did it was fun. I still remember a lot of goof ball times we had in Chief Jo and Col. High. A real good prankster – takes one to know one. May God be with you in your loss. Remember to remember all the great times. Jim & Sharon Bixler
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Ham family for the loss of Danny. Danny Hambonewas always a pleasure to be around, Ya just felt good in his presence. What a good friend and co-worker. Fondest memories with Danny were going out to lunch occasionally with several co- workers for a burger and a couple of beers before beer at lunch time became a felony. Everyone who knew Danny will miss him. When i told our daughter Danielle about Danny’s passing she said “Oh No, what a sweet man”. Danny was indeed that and much more.
Ken,Tammy,Danielle and Ryan Deery
Dear Julie-
I just wanted to you to know how sorry I am for the loss of your brother Dan. I didn’t know him, but he sounds like a great guy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Take care,
Kellie Walsh Patterson, ’77
Barb & Girls, Jack and rest of family:
My heart goes out to you all with the loss of Danny. We have lost a Richland icon. He was a fixture !! You will always have the memories. He was truly a great guy, loved by all. Just want you to know I’m thinking of you. I’ll always remember Danny.
God Bless You All,
Dwight Carey
Thank you everybody for your kind thoughts and words. Its sad to think that we only say this too each other in times of sorrow and pain. I just want everyone to know that my dad never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Not an enemy in the world. To know him was to love him, and I loved him very much. At least he is not in pain anymore and he’s up there laughing with Grandpa Dale and Aunt Lisa…watching over us. I love you Daddy…I will always be your little girl.
A.C.
So many memories – so little time. Teaching me how to drive, all the times the boat broke down when he and Barb went on the river with us, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, “God Bless us everyone” I know only the family will know what I’m talking about – oh well, too many others to name in such a short space. I was the luckiest sister on the face of the earth and I’m glad my kids had a chance to know him and are old enough to enjoy the memories, too. Danny holds a special place in my heart – always has – always will. I love you big guy!
Your sister
Julie
Dearest Barb and girls:
I can’t imagine the void you must be feeling in your lives. The thing that got me through my sisters’ deaths is to remember they are a part of my soul and heart and will never die there. I hope this helps you, too. Barb, you and Danny were always so thoughtful with remembering Becky on memorial day with flowers. Thank you and I hope that I can return such kindness one day. God is with you and will bless you and give you strength to get you through this. Much friendship and love,
Lynn Noble Paden
We are so sorry for the loss of Dan. he was was one of the good guys in life. When i try and think of a single memory i can’t, i just come up with a lot of them. From Bomber football games to bowling party’s to costume party’s. he did look good in a French maid outfitHe alway’s laughed at what i said, regardless if it was funny or not. he was a good sport.
Barb, you and the girls along with a ton of other peoplewere blessed to have had him in your lifes. His menory will live forever!
Barb, you and the girls take care and god bless you all.
Danny’s been like a brother to me since I was 12. Such a sweet, loving and funny man. Sometimes he was the straight man to Barb’s comedies of errors. One of my favorites was when she flipped a table at my house, sending a full crockpot of meatballs all over my new carpet. Dan just rolled his eyes and laughed. I can still hear his voice – “Barb!” He did that A LOT. Playing Balderdash with Dan and the rest of the Hams was always hilarious. He always came up with the most imaginative answers. We’d go from giggling to rolling on the floor laughing with tears running down our faces.
Then there’s the song “Must Have Got Lost”. Only a few of us will get that reference. Pretty funny, though.
So many wonderful memories. I love ya Dan.
Suzy
Barb
We are so very sorry for the loss of Danny. He was a good man and a good human being. It was a privelage and an honor to know him. We consider him and you as freinds. We will miss him
I will always remember Danny’s smile. My heartfelt sympathy and best wishes for the future to Barb and family.
Gale
To Barb, Jody and the rest of the Ham clan,
My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of Dan.I remember hanging around with Jody in my younger years and often running into Danny. He always had a snide, smart ass remark, always delivered in Danny Ham fashion. Later on I e-mailed with him a couple times and ran into him ocassionally around town – still the prankster.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Think of all the good times he brought you and don’t let the loss consume you and he will forever remain in your hearts. He wouldn’t want it any other way.
Take care,
Mike Davis
Julie, and the Ham family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers. Jeanne LaCroix Grant
I’m sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. He always made me laugh. I asked him once what his time was like in the army and in Danny-fashion he said “mostly I stayed down in my fox hole and raised my gun over my head, firing blindly at whatever was out there” he mimicked shaking his arms over his head with his eyes closed. I could not stop laughing at how much sense this made coming from Danny. It was not some polished picture, but more how things really are. He had that knack. My thoughts and sympathies are with the family. May you find some smiles through your tears when you think of him. –Brett
To my Aunt Barb and my two closes cousins I truly very sorry that Danny was taken so earliy in life. I will miss seeing him mow his lawn while I mow my moms lawn, and talking to him while we watched Boomer and Rocky play. There are to many memories to list since I have known him my whole life, but they are all great memories and I am very thankful to have had Danny as my uncle. Barb, Angie, and Molly I love you girls very much.
My love and prays, Holly
Barb and Girls: Linda and I are truely sorrowed by Dan’s passing. He was a fantastic person, as you all know. You are in our prayers at this time of loss. We love you and wish you the best in the future.
Barb & Family: With heart felt sympathy: Everyone said that you & Dan were the one who would spend a lifetime together all through school, but who is to know what the good Lord conciders a life time? Just hold on to all the beautiful memmories. Believe it does help. An old classmate Debby Heckathorn Lane
I am so very sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. We had alot of fun at those partys that I DJ’d and I hope that the fun will not stop. I will keep you all in my heart. God Bless. Bear
Barb and Family:
I picked up the news this morning of Dan’s passing. While I haven’t lived in town for a long time, my memories of Dan in high school are vivid. To me, while we were going to high school, he always seemed so tough and strong. I was more than a little scared of him!! As we got older and I saw Dan after I graduated from college and came home for reunions, I saw him quite differently. He was very kind, with a quick smile and willing to communicate and share. I really enjoyed those times, finding that as we got older we had quite a bit to talk about. It is truly amazing what a little time does.
I can only hope that time brings peace to you as well. I can only imagine how difficult this is and want you to know my thoughts are with you. Dan will truly be missed. God Bless.
This is a Thankyou to all of the wonderful friends and family that have written in such wonderful things about Danny. He truly was one of a kind and I was lucky to be his wife and partner. Our time together was too short but the memories will go on for ever. Thanks again to all the wonderful people that showed their respect at his memorial, he would have been stunned and humbled as well…Thanks again and God Bless each and every one of you.
Always,
Barby Ham
Barb, Molly and Angie,
Even though it’s been along time since I have seen your family, I still remember Dan’s smile, laugh and voice very clearly. I have so many fun memories of the “softball years”. The earliest memory was when Hailey was 3 and she “flashed” Dan!! I didn’t know a person had that many shades of red? Hailey is now 13 and a little embarrassed but remembers Dan ALWAYS being very kind to her. Dan was wonderful to me when my mother got sick. He came to the hospital to see her. He said he had many things he wanted her to know. As emotional and difficult as it was for him, he gave my mother and myself a great gift that day. I think all of us want to know what we mean to others. Thank you Dan!!
My heart goes out to your family. I pray that you find comfort and strength from the memories of Dan that you share.
God Bless your family.
Michelle, Gary, Breanne, Megan, Courtney, Hailey, Elijah and Noah
Dear Barb,
I remember Danny as one of the most fearsome foursomes I had ever met in my adolescence. When I moved to Richland in 1968, weeks before entering the 9th grade, I had an initial encounter with the scariest part of that foursome, Doug Davis and Rusty Kraber. I was walking down Symons and as the two approached from the opposite direction, jean clad and no shirts, my cousin warned me that they were your qintessential “bad” boys. They had some sneary comment to make that 14 year old boys find irresistable when approaching two gawky, giggling girls. Rusty always reminded me of the bully antagonist from “The Christmas Story.” I’m sure I said something inappropriately appropriate to him.
He was just plain ornery. And Doug, well, when I landed in Mrs. Gold’s homeroom at Cheif Joseph Jr. High, he was a 24-7, pain in the, yes. Gary Hickey and Danny were the other half of this equation. I remember Danny as quiet, watchful, and usually polite. He was just guilty by association. Gary was even quiter, but still one of them bad boys.
Danny was in my math class, with Mr. Barnard, I think that was his name. Although the teacher’s name might be forgettable, his coffee drinking, smoker’s breath was not. And the daily joke was to set a bottle of mouth wash on his desk. I don’t think he ever got the hint, but I do digress.
Being new in a small, clickish town was not easy. I thought I had been dropped into dreebville. Everything was different. Hairstyle, clothing, shoes: my gosh who wears black and white saddle shoes? Sooooooo uncool, in Seattle, we wore brown and tan. As the year progressed, I did make friends and one spring day, I found myself wearing my hair flipped up instead of curled under: a one hundred and eighty degree difference from how I would have worn it, but much the rage here in the Tri Cities: just check out the ’69 year book of those great Cheif Joseph Warriors, to see what I mean. Anyway, that particular day I remember Danny looking up at me in class before I sat down and telling me he liked my hair. I was flabbergasted. What a nice thing to say, and from one of those scary, bad boys. I will always remember Danny for that, taking a little bit of scare out of that fearsome foursome and making me feel a little more comfortable in a strange place that started to feel a little bit more like home.
Thanks, Danny. I hope someone is just as kind to you on your journey home.
Jana
I don’t think I ever met anyone who didn’t like my brother.Although I sometimes referred to him as my little brother,he was much bigger than me in so many ways.I’ll miss the times we spent together on the river,Bomber games,fishing,fantasy football,and holidays.But what I think I’ll miss the most is his voice,especially his laugh.He will be with me forever,never forgotten, and my companion for the rest of my life.I love you Dan.I’m sorry I kicked you in the shins when we were little.You can pay me back the next time you see me. Jack
To Barby and Family.
I worked with Dan for alot of years. I use to pick him up for work and when I was hired at Exxon, he is the first person that I work with.The first couple of Days I was there Dan played a trick on me that I will never forget. He left the hood where we were loading rods, on a four man hood crew and had someone call my name over the speakers and say to call the operator. He did it perfect. He no more than got back and started loading with me when my name came over and I went to the phone to answer it. Of course it was a not real and the operator thought I had lost it. I came back and told the crew I don’t understand, the operator said no one had called for me. I just shook my head. Findly Dan broke down and started laughing cause I was so upset. I looked at him and said, I’ll get you back for this if it takes me 20 years. After 15 years I did get him back. Steve Akins and I were talking in the Etch room just shortly before Lunch one day and Dan ran out of his office and was heading out the door. I picked up the phone and said, Dan Ham call the operator please, Dan Ham call the operator. Dan came to a stop and ran back to his office. Steve and I peeked in and there were 3 other people in the office with him. He was shaking his head and saying the operator said she didn’t call me. Then he looked over at the door and saw steve and I and I said, I gotta Dan–15 years and I gotta. He just cracked up and we had a good laugh. He was always pulling something like turning the lights out on ya when you went to the bathroom and leaving ya in the dark. I make him pay for that one. I got him back so many time that he begged with me to stop. He was the best. God Bless Barby and the family of this great man. I loved him as a brother.I will miss him.
I knew Dan through work and work related functions. I really enjoyed Dan’s presence as he always brought his humor and politics to liven up any conversation. Since I have been retired for a few years, I was really shocked to read this news. Dan was a good man that I was privileged to know and share work. Kurt Johnson
Dear Barb,
I heard about the service too late to make it. As you.know, Dan and I met at Col High and worked together for 23 years. Dan never lost his humor or the mischievous gleam in his eye. Dan got some bad shakes in life, but also some great blessings. I will sure miss running into him around town.
Dave
dear jack, joel and julie
words cannot adequately express my sorrow you have in the loss of danny.
i had the privlege of knowing danny as a coach at chief jo. i was an assistant coach of football and dan was on the team. he was an awesome player and more important a great person. he had a great attitude towards everyone on the team and me too. what ever he lacked in size he made up for in determination, hustle, desire. i have always treasured the honor it was to be associated with danny. in recent years we emailed each other some; he was still very supportive and nice to me.
i just want to express my sincere feelings of sympathy for you and your family in this loss. i am thankful of the times we did have.
may GOD BLESS YOU and your family.
ray hall, coach and friend
Barb, Angie, and Molly,
The service for Dan was beautiful. What an awesome guy to have had so many people show up at his memorial service. Very sorry for your loss. Ruth Richman
Dear Barb,
Danny’s memorial service was a stunning tribute to his kindness and human understanding. I was overwhelmed by the turnout, but not surprised. I think about you everyday. I wish you and the girls peace and comfort.
Sincerely, Jana
I was younger so Dan was Joel’s older brother to me, but I have great memories of the Ham house and the neighborhood fun. I was at Danny’s going-into-the-army party, “Ten Years After” was playing on the stereo and . . . . well I can’t remember, the room was awful smoky and the keg got emptied fast. I knew Barb as the older sister of my CK grade schoolmate Brian and I offer my sincere condolences to all the family.
Jan Gregor
I was very saddened to hear of Danny’s passing. Although I had not seen him in recent years, I have vivid memories of him leaping into the air at full gallop to catch a pass during many a Chief Jo football game. He was a great guy. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Danny was a good-hearted person who was loved by us all. I absolutely cannot picture his face without that brilliant, contagious smile!
Barb and girls, I know you’ll miss him forever and always. Hugs to you all, and I’ll be praying for God’s comfort to help you through this sad time.
Barb, Angie and Molly,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. Dan was a wonderful man. Our families shared many weekends on the softball fields watching our girls. Boy he loved watching his girls play softball. He truly will be missed.
Mary, Tim, Nancy and David Coates
Barb and family. Wish I knew what to say to help you with these times. We know that Danny will be missed by many, many people. All that he can be proud to know that they called him “Friend”
My thoughts and best wishes are with you, and always remember that I’m here for you.
Barb & family – Sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are going your way. Dan was a fun guy to be around. Paths didn’t cross a whole bunch but when they did it was fun. I still remember a lot of goof ball times we had in Chief Jo and Col. High. A real good prankster – takes one to know one. May God be with you in your loss. Remember to remember all the great times. Jim & Sharon Bixler
BARB AND FAMILY, DON AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DANNY! HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON, AND SO MUCH FUN TO BE AROUND. DON WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE FUNERAL, BUT HAD TO LEAVE EARLY. I HAD TO WORK SO I WASN’T ABLE TO COME. OUT THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
MARCIA AND DON FOSS
I love you dad! Im thinking about you today….miss you diddy!!
Barb and family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dan was such a neat guy and will surely be missed.
Our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of need. We will keep you in our prayers.
“memories are here forever to make you look back and smile”
Barb,thinking of you, cause I been there.If you need anything, a hug ,etc . call me . Greg
My thoughts are with the family, my sister and I went to school with Dan and Jack. I too have PPH, so I know how hard he fought.
My deepest sympathy,
karla cox
Dear Barb,Girls, Jack and Family:
Just to let all of you know that you are in our hearts at this most difficult time. Danny was trully one of the kindest and most unforgetable people we ever had the pleasure of knowing. God Bless All of You.
Dan was my brother-in-law, but I loved him as a brother. Dan was always interesting to talk to, he loved history, politics, and sports and was well-read on all subjects. He was good to our kids and always was there to watch their softball games, little league, cub scout banquets, band concerts, etc. A couple of weeks ago when he was too sick to go to one of Joel’s programs, he sent a card with money in it and apologized for not attending. That was the kind of guy Dan was; alway thinking of others. Out life won’t be the same without him.
Barb and Family,
I just found out from Pat St. John’s that Danny had passed away and I am so sorry to hear this. I knew Danny since 7th grade and thought of him as one the kind and sweetest people I have ever came across since we were kids. I will always be grateful I knew him all through Junior High and High School. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Barb whom I also knew in school and of course his family. Cindy Raynor Kenitzer
Guestbook for
Daniel Wayne Ham