David John Mettie

Dave was born September 9th, 1951, in Pendleton, Oregon to John Mettie and Evelyn (Bryan) Mettie.

When Dave was around 12 yrs. old, he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska with his mother and brothers Steve and Mike. Dave had many stories of the frozen winters and what the country was like. Last July, Dave was to take a trip back to Fairbanks and visit his old stomping grounds, but unfortunately, his illness prevented him from traveling.

When Dave was 14 yrs. old, he and his brothers moved to Tieton, Washington, to live with their father John and his wife Mildred. Where he graduated from Highland High School in 1969 - Go Scotties! One of Daves favorite memories was riding dirt bikes along the canal banks.

After graduation Dave moved to Seattle to go to a computer trade school. At that time computers jobs were scarce in Yakima, so he went to work at Sheppard's Camera Shop and his love for photography was born. About that same time, he met his future wife (though he didn't know it) Denise Gray at Moultrey's Ice Cream Parlor. Dave then moved on to work at Baumgardner Studio/Photo Haus which he retired from. Dave was also a long-time photography mentor for High School Skills USA. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the Baumgardner family for in 2006, Daves son Evan was seriously injured in his 2nd deployment to Iraq. They generously allowed Dave as much time as he needed for the next year and a half to visit Evan and Denise during his various rehabilitation hospital stays. The families, friends of Selah and Yakima, Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher Foundation and Central Washington Homebuilders Association were tantamount in bringing Evan home to live. Combat Veterans United for building the sidecar that allowed Evan to enjoy the many parades he was in. Thank You!

Dave was known for his wacky sense of humor and keen intellect; life was never boring or dull. He tackled any job given to him, built his house with his family following every direction, was a beautiful landscaper, his house & yard were his pride and joy. But most of all, he loved his children, Evan, Kira and Breanne. They endured and posed for countless pictures of camping trips, school dances, proms, sporting events and dance programs, Dave was always there with his camera and a smile.

After retirement, Daves love of golf kept him busy as much as the weather permitted and his group of golf buddies were always there for him. His favorite experiences were taking a golf workshop at The Plantation Course, Kapalua, Hawaii where he could play the course of the Sentry Tournament of Champions and at TCP Sawgrass, making it onto the 17th hole The Island Green, on his first try, Courtesy of Wounded Warrior Project's father's trip.

Dave is survived by wife Denise (Gray) Mettie, daughters Kira (Nicholas) Nason and Breanne (Keaton) Hayenga. Brother Steve (Carol) Mettie , Half-brothers Dennis Stubblefield & Jim Wilson and half-sister Judy Wilson. Grandchildren Makenna & Monroe Nason and Archie Hayenga. And numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews from the Grays, Metties, Baddeleys and Germans.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents John & Evelyn, Stepmother Mildred (Hatch) Mettie. Son Evan Mettie, brother Mike Mettie and half-sister Susan White.

A Celebration of Life Service for Dave will be held Saturday October 21st, 2023, from 2 pm to 4 pm at Keith and Keith funeral home, 902 W. Yakima Ave. Yakima WA 98902. To celebrate Dave, please bring your funny stories and wear your Wacky Golf Attire!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Mettie family.