The Buckley Log Show is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and 68-year old Bull of the Woods Walter “Wally” Gray has participated in at least 35 to 36 years of the family tradition, he said.
Gray, who was born and raised in Buckley, began his logging career with Roy Bowen Logging in 1968. The work was hard but rewarding, he said. He started out working on the chokers and rigging, but he eventually moved out of the brush and into hauling logs and equipment around the state. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring the sites and wildlife of the northwest, he said. Each day brought a new adventure and a new destination.
In 2005 and 2006, Gray underwent knee surgery, which forced him into an early retirement. Now that his days aren’t filled with logging work, Gray looks forward to trout fishing and working in the yard.
A family man at heart, Gray was married on the first day of summer ’68 to Marian Lanphere. Together they have three children — Tina, Tracy and Tim — and nine grandchildren.
Gray said his fondest log show memories are of winning first place in the Ma and Pa Bucking on different occasions with his wife, both daughters and son. Earning the Bull of the Woods title will go down as his proudest moment, however.
“I never won All Around Logger, but I did come in one or two points away a few times. I just couldn’t beat all the young kids, that’s why they call me Grandpa Gray. My son has won it six or seven times and I feel privileged he was able to pull that off,” he said. “But now I’ll be Grand Marshall of the parade! It’s quite an honor that I’m proud of because the kids can’t take away Bull of the Woods from me!”
Grandpa Gray said he’s proud to claim his part in what has historically been one of the state’s key economic factors and is grateful the Buckley Log Show committee — who hands out the Bull of the Woods honor each year — recognizes it as well, he said.
Dan Rice, a friend of Gray’s, wrote a poem in his honor for the Buckley Log Show book this year. An excerpt reads:
“Well, Wally is definitely a Logger
A Title he’s earned with a lot of Sweat & Dirt
He’s probably hauled Logs & Equipment for all of you Gypo’s
It should say Logger on his Suspenders & Shirt!”
The Buckley Chamber of Commerce log show parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday June 29. Other logging events will begin at noon Saturday and again at 11 a.m. Sunday.
