Daniel C. Fennerty

Daniel C. Fennerty passed away on June 26th, 2024. Dan's passions were the love of his family, and service to community. Born on September 28th, 1956, he was the son of Frank and Phyllis Fennerty, and brother to Frank Jr., Patricia, John, Brian, Robert, and Mary.

Dan's father's occupation led to many moves and schools, with Dan attending four high schools in four years. Perhaps that is where he developed his brilliant smile and hearty laugh. He graduated from Monroe Community College where he played collegiate lacrosse, then Rochester Institute of Technology.

After moving out west he worked at Luther Child Center where he met his wife of 42 years, Vickie. She was his loving champion, and at the end, his caregiver.

Family and sports continued to be the highlight of Dan's life. After earning a Masters in Special Education from Seattle University, he taught at W.F. West High School in Chehalis, WA and coached football. With the addition of two children, Kelsey Anne and Dani Colleen, he decided to continue his education, receiving his Doctorate in Education from Seattle University.

Dan and his family relocated to Ellensburg, WA for a professorship position at Central Washington University teaching teachers in the special education field. This was certainly a new passion for him and yes, he did read and grade all those papers he assigned.

Though he grew up all over the country, Dan had deep ties to Ellensburg. His grandfather, Clarence Fitterer, was a founding member of the Ellensburg Rodeo, and his mother Phyllis served as Ellensburg Rodeo Queen in 1947. Dan continued this family tradition, learning to ride, rope, and serve as a Top Hand in the Rodeo. He loved team roping, taking his horse Scribbles for a trail ride, and supporting his daughters in all their passions and endeavors.

The time came to retire, and he chose Green Valley, AZ, where he continued his love for teaching as a docent at the Tucson Desert Museum. He also loved coaching pickleball, biking, hiking, and volunteering at the food bank and Green Valley Assistance Services.

Dan passed away due to the progressive neurodegenerative disease primary progressive aphasia. Eleven days before his death, he joyfully welcomed son in law Andrew, husband to his daughter Kelsey, to the family. He celebrated with his wife, daughters, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Good ride cowboy, good ride.

A celebration of Dan's life is planned on his birthday, September 28th, in Cle Elum, WA from 1-3pm at Dru Bru. A remembrance will also be held for Dan in Green Valley, AZ in the Fall.