Today would have been Danny Williams’ 63rd birthday today, having been born exactly two days before yours truly in 1959. Unfortunately, Danny lost a battle with cancer a little over eight years ago, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 23, 2012. For over a decade, Danny worked for the Brewers Association as the beer competition manager for both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. Danny left behind two grown children and a then-8-year old son, Fletcher. His friend Ben Spencer, who’s also a good friend of mine, lets me know from time to time how Danny’s kids are doing, which is great. Join me in raising a birthday beer and giving a toast to the memory of Danny Williams tonight. Danny would have wanted it that way.
Danny Williams and a friend at the World Beer Cup dinner in Chicago several years ago.
Tom Nickel (owner of O’Brien’s in San Diego), Nancy Johnson, Director of GABF and Danny at Slow Food Nation 2008 in San Francisco.
Danny in the former goldmine beer cellar.
Danny’s Angels, after a BA event.
Hey Jay, I just wanted to let you know that we enjoy promoting your blog each week for our birthday announcement segment on our podcast by Casey Kasem (celebrity impersonation). I really appreciate learning about all the other people in the brewniverse that share my passion for craft beer. I have been sharing that information with our audience in my own way and just wanted to thank you for your informative blog. Check out http://www.brewhappypodcast.com for a listen of the latest show and let me know what you think.
-Damian