GIANT: Remembering Harold Wadley

I noted Harold Wadley’s obituary in the Jan. 17 Press and had to say something. While he was U.S. Forest Service District Ranger in St. Maries, I served with him as an Engineering Administrator on the Panhandle National Forest. Back then the F.S. sold some large timber sales. Harold’s District had an over 25 million board feet sale package preparing for advertisement. The package was very large and expensive with a major potential environmental impact. We were both troubled by where the process was heading. Still a design and construction engineer at heart, I told Harold I would redesign the package and have it ready for the sale.

I spent considerable time on the redesign, which served the needs of the sale and reduced the road cost and environmental impacts, and Harold successfully sold it. Now Harold was a true public servant, humanitarian, and a very strong Christian. After the sale, Harold said to me “we need to celebrate.” He knew I was Christian too, but I had an occasional beer. Harold was a non-drinking ELK and he took me to the lodge for one beer and we celebrated together. The rest of the boys did not understand why Harold was there with me drinking a beer. We both laughed at this! 

I tell this story to honor the man, public servant and humanitarian — there are many around who served and are still serving. It can be a thankless job, especially in today’s environment. Harold was not of large stature, but to me he was a giant. He once said the Lord places us here to serve and we had better get the job done. He was 10 years older than me, but when I moved on in my career, I always remembered my time with him. Wish I could have attended his funeral on Sunday, but had my own church responsibilities. 

Goodbye Harold and God bless your family; it was an honor serving with you.

TERRY A. HARWOOD
Athol