Daniel Urban Papineau

Mass of Christian Burial for Daniel Urban "Dan" Papineau will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Ellensburg with vault interment and military honors to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16 also at the funeral home.  Mr. Papineau, a longtime Ellensburg resident and retired Kittitas County Sheriff's Deputy, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the age of 78.

Dan, and his twin brother David, were born on a wintery day on January 27, 1945 in Williston, North Dakota to Emery & Albina (Stepanek) Papineau. The family moved to Ellensburg in 1957 where Dan attended Lourdes Academy and then Ellensburg High School, graduating in 1964. He has remained friends with many of his classmates over years, including Jim Pratt, his closest friend.

Following graduation, Dan attended college at Central Washington University and later Yakima Valley Community College before being drafted into the United States Army in November 1966.  He served as a Military Police Officer in Germany before his honorable discharge in August of 1968.

Dan met Christine Bunkelman when they were teenagers and they eventually married on November 9, 1968, after she had graduated high school and he returned from the Army.  They were blessed with three sons - Kyle, Ryan and Patrick. 

Dan served for thirty three years with the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office as Deputy #12. Part of his duties included specialty work that came from grant funding including working closely with the Forest Service patrolling campgrounds, doing brand inspections for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and special investigations for various crimes on Snoqualmie Pass.

Following his retirement from KCSO, Dan kept busy with some part-time jobs including working as the courtesy driver for Ellensburg Chevrolet and as a fire-watcher for Trendwest in Cle Elum. His hobbies included fishing, rock hunting, going to the Sunset Cafe for prime rib, and spending time with friends and family. He was also an avid accordion player and loved playing gospel songs for his wife and friends.

Dan is survived by his wife Christine; sons Ryan and Patrick (Michelle); grandsons Max and Thomas; his brother David (Betty Kay) Papineau; sisters Violet (Joe) Wells, Betty Lou Pieters and Judy (Don) Ross, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his son, Kyle Allan Papineau.

Memorial contributions in Dan’s honor are suggested to the Behind the Badge Foundation, 8309 165th Ave NE #205, Redmond, WA 98052 or online at www.behindthebadgefoundation.org

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