David R. Donahue was born in Twin Falls, Idaho to Joe and Fern Donahue on August 18, 1940 and passed away March 26, 2019 at the age of 78. The oldest of 5 children, Dave was raised and lived in the Yakima Valley for most of his life.
He attended Davis High School where he served as the Vice President of the Bowling Club, and graduated in 1958 and went onto attend Perry Technical Institute. On November 4, 1961, he married Elaine C. Rice and son Mark was born just a month shy of their first wedding anniversary in 1962.
Dave had a very strong work ethic and was very passionate and dedicated to his profession. His first job was at Mitchells Market on Fruitvale, then he joined his Dad in the family business, Donahue Litho and Engraving for a number of years before moving to Franklin Press. From there, he worked at the Yakima Herald-Republic, retiring in 2001. Dave served as the President of the Yakima Printing Pressman and Assistants Union #39 for many years.
As an avid bowler and golfer, he loved bowling, first with Elaine, then later with his Dad, father-in-law and son Mark on the “8 Ball” league at Skookum Bowl and in his later years with all of his friends at Minda Lanes. David was one of the lucky ones and joined the elite, scoring 2 perfect 300 games in his lifetime. He had a passion for playing golf which he shared with the entire family; Elaine, Mark, Kendra and Bradley, playing many years at Suntides and Westwood golf courses. He taught his son and grandchildren how to play the game and they will never forget his love for the game nor the lessons he passed onto them. “Nice short game, Dad.”
David was a sports enthusiast and was a member of the Seahawks “12th Man Club’” a huge fan of the Mariners and enjoyed watching NASCAR and all car racing, horse racing and golf.
Throughout his life, Dave enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing trips with son Mark at Westport, Alaskan cruise with Elaine, driving trips to Doug & Karen’s every year, visiting friends at the bowling alley and Legends Casino. One of his pride and joys was his ’71 El Camino which he and Elaine would hop in and take long scenic drives. Nearly every year for the last 15 years, the Donahue 7 would pack up and head to Seaside, Oregon for a week at the beach.
Dave will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 58 years, son Mark Donahue (Tamara) of Yakima, grandchildren, Jennifer Hurst (Joe), Kendra Donahue (Chris), and Bradley Donahue and 2 great-grandchildren, Shaelyn and Riley Hurst, sister Diane Morton (Bob), brother Miles Donahue (Mindy), sister Jill Shirley (Basil) and lots of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Parry Donahue and parents, Joe and Fern Donahue.
There will be a celebration of Dave’s life, Thursday, April 4th at 1 PM at Langevin Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “First Tee” of Yakima, www.thefirstteeyakima.org/donate/.
