Obituary of William H. Danielsen

William Heyward Danielsen, Captain (ret) Columbia Fire Department, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2014 in Columbia, SC. Bill was known as "Captain Twiggy" among his fellow firefighters. He was born in Newberry, South Carolina on June 12, 1938 to the late John T. Danielsen, who was also a firefighter with Columbia Fire Department and Dixie Nell Williams. Bill loved to dance and belonged to several shag clubs throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. He was inducted into the S.C. Shaggers Hall of Fame in 2012 and he was a former office holder in the Palmetto Shag Club. Bill was known for his shrimp and grits, catfish stew and other famous dishes he prepared for club events, as well as the meals he prepared for his fellow firefighters. He attended St. Peter's Elementary School and Ursuline Academy in Columbia. He was also a former altar boy for St. Peter's Church in his youth. He was a member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Columbia. Bill loved fishing all over South Carolina, but especially loved a pond where he fished with his good friend, Bill Moody. He was a rock hunter, former member of Columbia Gem and Mineral Society and enjoyed searching the hills and hidden mines of South Carolina. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him Bill is survived by his son, Michael W. Danielsen (Kathy) of Lexington and their children Michael C. and Katherine; daughter, Denise Danielsen Atkinson (Rickie Chavis) of Red Bank and her son Austin Atkinson; Sister, Nancy Elliott of Florida; many nieces, nephews and cousins; loving partner, Ann Roberge of Columbia and former wife, Rachel W. Danielsen of Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Bill to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane Columbia SC 29210 or a charity of one's choice. A Mass of Christian Burial for William H. Danielsen will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 3, 2014 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC., with Father Gary Linsky officiating. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Woodridge Funeral Home, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072.