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Danny Remembered
In Memoriam: Danny Williams (1959–2012)
Remembrance by Dan Rabin |
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Sadness permeated the country’s beer community and beyond with the news that Danny Williams had passed away on the evening of January 23, 2012. Williams succumbed to cancer in his mountain home in Sunshine Canyon, near Boulder, Colorado. He was 52.
In his decade of work for the Brewers Association, Williams had the Herculean task of receiving and sorting the thousands of beer entries for the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup competitions. In that role, Williams amassed a huge circle of friends. They included industry professionals from coast to coast and a loyal team of local beer enthusiasts who volunteered year after year to help sort beers for the competitions.
With his outgoing and upbeat demeanor, Williams defined the term likeable. A visit to his home was an unforgettable experience. His property includes a cavernous former gold mine that he retrofitted into a beer cellar as well as a former mill building that he converted into his house. His beer collection, which was constantly replenished with unique bottles gifted by friends, numbered in the thousands. The beer cave was once featured in a New York Times article about beer cellaring.
He hosted annual parties that achieved legendary status. Having known Williams for many years, I had the good fortune to attend his gold mine parties on several occasions. To call these events memorable would be a gross understatement.
I saw Williams in early January after his health issues had become public knowledge. In typical fashion, he was surrounded by friends, in good spirits and sharing a selection of vintage beers from his collection.
Williams is survived by two sons and a daughter. It was his wish that his mountain home and property remain in his family. To make this possible, the Danny Williams Fund is set up to accept online donations. In addition, a fundraiser is scheduled for February 11 at Boulder’s Backcountry Pizza and Taphouse. It will feature a silent auction, pizza buffet and beer garden with an extraordinary selection of contributed libations.
Details about the fundraiser and a link to the Danny Williams Fund can be found at:
http://www.hopbarley.org/content/danny_williams_fundraiser_and_silent_auction.
— Dan Rabin |
