David Aaron HACKWITH

1943 - 2022

David Aaron Hackwith, 78 of Cheney passed away Tuesday, August 31 in Spokane.

Dave was born April 6, 1943, in Winchester, ID, to Keith and Florence Hackwith. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Clint Prather and sister Hazel Lenore.

Dave graduated from Craigmont High School in 1961. Music was a big part of his life, playing piano backup for his dad and friends at area dances when he was young, continuing with sousaphone in the school band and then with the U.S. Army. He was in the army band while stationed in Germany and got to play for President Kennedy. He learned to play other instruments as well to include bass fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle.

After his service, Dave returned to Craigmont and then attended Spokane Community College learning the autobody repair trade. He worked at several body shops over the years in Oroville, Cheney, and Spokane.

In 1981 he met Gloria Prather and they were married in March 1982. He also became a father to Gloria's sons, Chuck and Clint. Dave loved his family and being a father. He and Gloria became a part of the Gold Star Family after losing Clint in Afghanistan in 2005 and attended Windy 25 Memorial in Las Vegas almost every year.

Dave loved music, he was well known and liked for his talent on the bass. He played for Custers Grass Band for many years as well as Prairie Flyer and Bluestreak to name a few. He and Gloria loved to attend the bluegrass festivals throughout the Northwest.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, son Chuck (Brittany) Prather, daughter in laws Irene Prather and Tiffany Summers, grandchildren Summer Prather (Ashton), Carter Shurbutt, Aaron Prather (Anna), Cheyenne Prather, sister Lois Mulkey, brothers Tom (Bev) Hackwith and Denis (Kris) Hackwith as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life and music will be held on June 11 at the Cheney Congregational Church, 423 N. 6th, Cheney, WA, at 11:00 am followed by a jam for those who would like to bring their instruments.