David William Catey Obituary (2025)

David "Papa" Catey, age 78, went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2025, in Moxee, Washington. He was born on October 9, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, to William and Marguriete Catey. He was blessed to be a husband, father of two, grandfather to five, a great-grandfather of four, and he welcomed five in-laws into his family. Dave graduated from Ingram High School, in Seattle. He continued his education at Eastern Washington University. He pursued a career as an insurance adjuster and worked for PEMCO Insurance. In 1967, Dave married Karen Birchard, and together they had two children, Tom and Suzie. In 1973, the family settled in Yakima, Washington, where he lived until his passing. Back in the day, Dave was an avid hunter and fisherman. His hobbies included dog training, field trails, and racing pigeons. He was a National Field Trail Champion and placed in several local field trail events. He started racing pigeons in junior high school and was an active member of a local pigeon club, participating in many local races. He also played golf, and even hit a hole in one, at the Odessa Golf Course. Papa enjoyed camping with his family at Chelan, Kah-Nee-Ta, Sun Lakes. He also enjoyed vacationing in Mexico and Hawaii. He loved cheering the kids and grandkids on during sporting events of basketball, football, wrestling, softball, baseball, swimming, water polo, and track and field. He was no stranger to hitting the road to be present for games or matches. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marguriete Catey, his in-laws, Jack and Shirley Birchard, and his brother, Alan Catey. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen, his children, Tom (Karin) Catey, and Suzie, his grandchildren, Kyle (Courtney) Catey, KC Catey (Colten Ellson), Catey Sue Richardson (Landon Leaton), Corbin (Brook) Richardson, and Ethan Holmes, and four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 2:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect Way, Moxee, WA). A Reception will follow. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.