David D. Dillard

David Dwight Dillard, 59, of Yakima, passed away March 16, 2026 in Seattle following a brief illness. His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 in the Evenson Memorial Chapel at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. He will be laid to rest at High Valley Memorial Park.

Dave was born on August 2, 1966 in Ellensburg, Washington to David P. & Billye June (Cahill) Dillard. He grew up in Ellensburg and graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1984. He attended Central Washington University for awhile before entering the workforce.

In his youth, Dave had a keen interest in architecture, though he never pursued it as a career. Over the years he worked at Albertsons, Elmview and as a pressman for The Daily Record before finding his long-term career as manager of Safety Services of Central Washington, a division of Barth & Associates in Yakima. He loved his work and was loved by co-workers and clients alike. Dave was still employed by the Barth Clinic at the time of his passing.

Dave loved all animals but was especially fond of cats and birds. As a boy he developed a love of birds which he carried throughout his life. He could identify almost any bird anywhere he went, and as a result he decided he wanted to be an Ornithologist when he grew up. Those plans changed when he became an adult, but his love for birds never diminished.

He loved music – playing guitar in the band “One 2 Many” – as well as golfing, fishing and was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks. What made those activities even better was sharing them with his many friends. Dave never met a stranger and could talk to anyone. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t love Dave.

If you were to ask him, he would tell you that he is most proud of his dedication to recovery over the last 15 years and to helping others through the 12-step program. A very humble man, Dave touched many lives with his giving heart.

Dave is survived by his two sisters Cindy (Joe Hoctor) Dillard and Jan Morgan as well as several uncles, aunts and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s honor are suggested to Peers Rising (formerly KCRCO), 110 W 6th Ave, PMB 118 - Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com