David McClain Hazlett

David McClain Hazlett, age 76, of Ellensburg, WA passed away on December 5, 2025. David was born on August 28, 1949 in Oxnard, CA to George and Elvue (Hartung) Hazlett. He grew up in Oxnard, where he attended Hueneme High School and enjoyed participating in the choir, skateboarding and surfing. He loved life at the beach. He went on to earn his Bachelor Degree in English from the University of California-Long Beach. He was a lifelong learner and consummate storyteller.

In 1974, David married Linda Marland, and they shared 52 years together. He is survived by his wife Linda and their daughter Emily, both whom were the light of his life, and Emily's husband Brandon. David is also survived by Tone Gjertsen, David and Linda's Norwegian exchange student who is like a daughter to them and special friend Lena Woodcock of Scotland. He is also survived by his sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and grand nephews and nieces and his two loving cats Lilly and Smokey.

David spent his career of 44 years working as a farrier in Kittitas County. He earned his Journeyman Farriers Certification from the American Farriers Association. David had many wonderful clients, both human and horses, who all put up with listening to his endless stories and jokes. He especially loved working with draft horses, the gentle giants. He worked on the Clydesdale hitch for Stuart Anderson's Black Angus Ranch and on the hitch for the Gasseling Brothers Farms. He had a gentle hand with young horses. He also enjoyed working with the local veterinarians and being able to help save some horses so they could go on to productive lives.

David was a lifelong member of the Farriers Association of Washington State. He was on the Board of Directors for many years and served as the Chairman of the Board 1987-1989. He was also a lifelong member of the American Farriers Association and served on their Board of Directors for many years. He had the privilege of mentoring several young farriers who have gone on to successful careers of their own.

Outside of work and volunteering, he enjoyed hiking in the Teanaway with his dogs and friends, riding his electric bike, reading, listening to and playing music, writing articles for the American Farriers Journal and of course Letters to the Editor.

David volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for 3 years and found it to be a very rewarding experience. He was on the Board of Directors of the Kittitas County American Cancer Society as Chairman 1986-1988 and participated as the spokesperson for the first 24 Hour Walk Against Cancer.

Along with his multiple dedications to work and volunteering, David also spent 19 years on the Thorp School Board. He believed in education and was honored to be elected so many times by his neighbors.

Friends and family remember him for his kindness, sense of humor, story telling and dedication to his craft and his community.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9 at the Kittitas Event Center from 1-3 in the Naneum Room.