Dear Associated California Loggers Members and Friends.
It is with a heavy heart that Associated California Loggers announces that our Safety Director of many years, Don Milani, has passed away.
Don Milani worked as the Safety Director for Associated California Loggers in a number of positions (including as owner of Milani Safety Services), for an estimated 40 plus years of service.
Don had been fighting an illness. Last night, he took a sudden turn for the worse, was admitted to the Emergency Room and passed away at the hospital. His wife Lynda was with him. Lynda tells us that Don passed away peacefully at 11:30 pm, Thursday February 23.
Their adult children are now with Lynda and she will let us know about memorial service plans soon.
We are personally grateful that at the 2023 Annual Meeting in January in Reno, Don Milani was able both to address the ACL Board of Directors and to teach a final class to Annual Meeting attendees. Don announced his retirement at the Annual Meeting, but little did we know how little time we had left with him.
We are also glad that after Don concluded his remarks to the attendees in January, ACL Past President Mike Albrecht gave a heartfelt speech of thanks to Don for all the lives that Don likely saved and injuries he likely prevented in his 40 or so years with ACL. Thank you, Mike.
Don Milani was able to teach the First Aid/CPR and Risk Management classes at the Sierra Cascade in February, which ended up being his final classes taught on behalf of ACL.
ACL is now working with the Redwood Region Logging Conference and First Aid/CPR and Risk Management classes will go on as scheduled at RRLC with a new substitute teacher. Please contact ACL at 916-441-7940 for more information.
Don was to teach at RRLC as his final work before retirement; ACL had already begun the work of seeking a new Safety Director — tough shoes to fill.
In the meantime, please join us in offering our thoughts and prayers to Lynda Milani and family. ACL will provide more information on a memorial service as it becomes available.