| Graduation Year | Class of 1978 |
| Date of Birth | Oct 13, 1960 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 16, 2023 |
| About | David Allen Kezar, 63, of Toppenish, WA, passed away on October 16, 2023 at MultiCare Memorial Yakima. He was born October 13, 1960, in Kadoka, SD, the son of Iola (Drabek) Kezar and Norman Dale Kezar. He was the 4th of 7 children. Dave had a strong connection to his faith and grew up attending the Presbyterian church with his family. He and his family were actively involved in adding to the church, leaving a lasting legacy within the community. David went to school in Kadoka & New Underwood SD and graduated from New Underwood High School in 1978. In 1991 he graduated from Washington State University in Pullman WA with a Bachelors in Economics. While attending WSU Dave met Ruthann “Ruth” Tuckett and they were married at Pullman Presbyterian Church on January 21, 1989. Dave received his degree in less than 4 years so he could walk with Ruth in their commencement ceremony. Dave's passion for working with cattle began at a young age. He started working on ranches in South Dakota when he was very young (12). He gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from that work. Eventually, he moved to Washington to be closer to his first wife's family and worked on a feedlot. He took a brief career change and worked at Iowa Beef Processors before returning to working on a ranch in Connell, WA. However, his desire to improve his life after becoming a single father led him to leave the ranch and pursue a college degree. Upon graduating from Washington State University, Dave was hired by the USDA as a loan officer with the Farmers Home Administration. He was assigned to the Colville, Yakima, and Ellensburg areas during his career with the USDA and ultimately worked his way up to the position of Office Supervisor. Some of the professional awards he received include County Supervisor of the Year (1994) and USDA Inspector General's Certificate of Appreciation (2007). In 2005 Dave made the decision to leave USDA to focus on his health. Dave’s lifelong love of cattle allowed him to develop his own personal herd while attending college, starting with a Jersey named Jenny. His herd grew while leasing a home and acreage in Union Gap. In 1997 he purchased a farm Southwest of Toppenish and moved his family. Here the family grew hay and over the years his herd grew to 140 head of cows. He sold his herd in 2004 and the next year became a full-time farmer, raising corn and hay. Dave often talked to his father-in-law (Ray) to gain knowledge about his new farming career. He continued to raise cattle in some form intermittently, on the side. His wife often remarked that he had ‘cattle in his blood’ and couldn’t give them up. He still owned cattle until the end of his life, raising some in partnership with his youngest daughter and son-in-law. In his retirement, Dave found solace and joy in farming and fishing. He became friends with Glen, Jeff, Brian, & Casey while farming which made the assistance he received from them so much more valuable. He cherished the time spent on the water with his fishing buddy, Rodney and many other friends and family. Additionally, Dave embraced the digital age and formed many good friendships (Kay, Allen and many, many more) through his interactions on social media. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr Cole, Carla Cook and numerous other staff at the MultiCare Memorial for the care and compassion provided in his last days. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Kezar; his 3 children, Marcella "Marcie" O’Neal (Ryan) Tieton, WA; Tawny Winn Toppenish, WA; Melody Wahpat (Erick) Toppenish, WA. His six siblings; Mike (Jessica) Kezar of Devine TX; Terry Kezar of Bill WY; Steve (Teri) Kezar of Converse, TX; Todd Kezar of Colfax, WA; Linda Johnson of Douglas, WY; Mark (Heidi) Kezar of Bartlett, TN; David adored his 9 grandchildren and their presence lit up his life; Ethan, Rylee, Emelia, Raygan, Rowyn, Everett, Hattie, Paxton, and Josephine. David was preceded in death by his parents Norman & Iola Kezar. A memorial service to celebrate Dave's life will be held November 11th, 3PM at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Karlee's Koffee Going Gold, 280 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948 a charitable organization close to Dave's heart. Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish, WA, is assisting the family with the arrangements. |
