FORKS — Log faller William Tod Horton of Forks, a sports enthusiast and well-liked coach, was killed when a fallen tree pivoted around and hit him after a tree he was cutting tumbled onto it.
Horton, 47, was working in the woods off the P-1600 Forest Road near the Clallam Bay prison at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Clallam County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy Ron Cameron.
“A machine operator who was there at the time didn’t see it happen but saw the tree swing and knew something was wrong,” Cameron said.
“There were other workers around at the time.”
That worker phoned emergency responders; Horton had died by the time they arrived, Cameron said.
The death is not suspicious, Cameron said. It has been turned over to the Department of Labor and Industries for further investigation.
Horton, an experienced tree faller, worked as an independent contractor, his sister, Kayla Hansen, said.
A memorial service is scheduled at 3 p.m. Saturday at The Round House, 110 Business Park at the intersection of state Highway 110 and U.S. Highway 101.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Drennan & Ford Funeral Home.
Horton was a lifelong North Olympic Peninsula resident, having been born in Port Angeles on June 2, 1963, and graduating from Forks High School in 1981.
Enthusiastic about sports, Horton was president of the West End Youth League, a frequent participant in softball leagues and a basketball player.
He also worked on the committee to organize the Demolition Derby in Forks and loved to hunt, Hansen said.
Horton was also the assistant coach of the Forks High School girls basketball team.
“Tod loved what he did for a living. He loved working in the woods and was happy doing that,” Hansen said.
“He loved giving back to the youth in sports in our community and spent countless hours coaching.”
Above everything, Hansen said, Horton was a family man.
“He had an infectious smile and absolutely loved his family,” she said.
“When he smiled, his eyes would light up like a Christmas tree.”
Scott Justus, a longtime friend and fellow coach with Horton, said the man was always willing to step up and help.
Justus originally recruited Horton to help coach boys basketball several years ago.
“I ended up with a neck injury, and he ended up stepping up to the head coach,” Justus said.
“He didn’t think he was ready for it, but they only lost one game in the weeks that I was gone.”
Justus said that Horton was well-liked as a coach.
“He had such a great work ethic for the girls,” Justus said.
“He worked hard but was fun at the same time, and that is something the girls really respected about him.”
Justus, who has known Horton since the age of 13, said that his friend’s death affects many.
“He was dedicated to this community and very well-liked. It isn’t just me and his family that will miss him, but the whole community will,” Justus said.
“I just cannot say enough good things about him. He will be missed. He was a wonderful guy and a very caring friend and family member.”
Horton also frequently played in summer softball leagues in Forks, said Pat Soderlind, who is the former city event coordinator.
“I could always count on Tod,” she said.
“He would always participate and always help me with organizing tournaments.
“There are only good things to say about him.”
Horton is survived by his wife, DeAnn of Forks; three daughters, Whitney, Hailey and Kray of Forks; his sister of Forks; a brother, Brian of Elma; and his parents, Bill and Judy Horton of Ocean Shores.
__________
Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
