the Obituary of William Henry Munson

William Henry Munson, of Scott Valley, passed away on December 17, 2024, Willie died unexpectedly doing what he loved, golfing. Willie was born on August 31, 1944 in Yreka to Janet Brandsma and Charles Gordon (Bud) Munson. He grew up near Callahan on the Munson Mill property. He, his siblings and cousins had many adventures at home, around the Dredger, the mill and in the mountains around Callahan, fishing, hunting and hiking. He graduated from Etna Union High School in 1962. He went to work for the Forest Service and became a Smoke Jumper. After his Forest Service stint, he went to work in the woods where he spent the remainder of his career. He is well known for his timber falling skills. Appropriately, he founded the Grumpy Timber Fallers – he could live up to that name at times!

Willie loved jokes, playing tricks and was always keeping everyone on their toes. He became a poet in his later life, inspired by his sister, Judy’s, passing. Many young folks recited his down to earth, Scott Valley living type of poems. He was honored to write his special poems for many family and friends. He self-published his own poetry book, “Through the Eyes of a Logger”. Even with a tough exterior, he was one of the most giving and generous people you have ever known. He never forgot birthdays, special occasions, or anniversaries. If your lawn was mowed anonymously, a random pickup load of wood showed up in your yard, or even a box of pitch kindling, you would know it was Willie not making a big deal out of it. He expected nothing in return, he just did it because he could.

Willie loved nothing more than a game of cribbage. His competitive nature and sharp mind made him a force to be reckoned with. He was always winning something, whether it be a crib game, lottery ticket, slot machines or a football game. He really did NOT like to lose. In Willie’s later years, golfing became his passion. It was a game he loved to hate. He golfed every chance he got.

Willie is survived by his sons, Brandon Munson (Gerlach, NV), Mikki Munson, (Spring Creek, NV), Justin and Erin Munson, (Elko, NV); his grandchildren, Will (Bleu), Kiely, Garrett and Evan Munson, Karin Newton, Clint, Jenny, Creed, Jackson and Zoe Newton, Greg, Laura and Graysa Newton. His sister, Diana VanNess (Don). Niece, Tracy Dickinson, great nieces Jana Padilla, Taylor Dickinson, great-great nieces, Iyla and Eleanor Padilla, nephew, Wade and Shelley Dickinson, great nieces/nephews, Colton, Payton and Carson Dickinson. He was predeceased by his father, Charles “Bud” Munson, Janet Brandsma Davis, brother, John, “Butch” Munson, and sister, Judy Dickinson. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Although they lived far away, we all felt like we knew them well because of all the stories Willie would share about them.

A service will be held Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 PM at Scott Valley Berean Church. There will be cookies and coffee provided after.

Source: Girdner Funeral Chapel