Dave N. Minear

Dave N. Minear, 70, longtime Ellensburg resident, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at his Ellensburg home.  A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg with Pastor Frank Johnson officiating.

Dave was born on April 10, 1952 in Seattle, Washington, the second and last child born to Frank & Ruth (Nelson) Minear.  He grew up in the Seattle area and graduated from Nathan Hale High School. While in high school, he excelled at playing the trombone, following in the footsteps of his brother Frank, a noted trumpet player.  

Dave attended Central Washington University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications.  Following his graduation from CWU, Dave moved to the Tri-Cities where he worked in both television and radio before returning home to Ellensburg in the late 1970’s.

Dave is probably best known in town from his long and distinguished career working at the Ellensburg Safeway.  During his 30-plus year career he worked as a stocker, cashier and manager of various departments.  His customer service was outstanding and he always had a smile and kind words for everyone he came in contact with.  In addition to working at Safeway, Dave also spent many years working as his own boss, painting many houses around the valley.  He continued painting for many years after his retirement from Safeway until his health forced him to slow down.

Dave enjoyed boating and water-skiing on the Columbia River, was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan and was also a regular fixture at the Flying J/Sak’s Restaurant where he spent many hours drinking coffee and swapping stories with his friends. 

Dave is survived by his son David J. Minear of Shoreline and daughter Angela Minear of California as well as two grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Minear, Jr.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s honor are suggested to be sent to the Gretchen Weller Foundation, supporting Kittitas County cancer patients.  

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Minear and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com 

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.