Daniel Lee Wallbaum

Daniel Lee, "Dan" "Danny" Wallbaum, age 74, of Yakima, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023. Dan was a graduate of Naches High School as well as Central Washington University (BA, Teaching Certificate, 1971) and Heritage College (MA).

Dan was a talented teacher and musician. He started his career as a teacher in LaCrosse, Washington. He then returned to his home, the Yakima Valley, where he taught band and choir at East Valley School District for six years (1972-1978). In the fall of 1978, he started teaching band and choir for Selah School District. He enjoyed many years of teaching high schoolers, and would tell the tales of competitions, parades, and events to which he led great groups of budding teen musicians. He loved teaching music, and it was common for us to be approached by members of the community and hear how much it meant that our dad taught them to play an instrument, learn to read and perform music, or to sing with a choir. Later in his career, he taught band at the middle school and elementary school levels. He retired from Selah School District, having worked at something he loved, that impacted the community in a positive way. He showed children and adult learners that performing music is a journey of joy and deep learning.

Dan was married to Cyd (Moore) Wallbaum just following their graduation from college at Central. They were married for many years prior to their marriage ending. They raised Carrie and Nathan together and were careful to imbue strong work ethic, a love of music, the wilderness, animals, gardens, and Christian faith.

Dan was a talented musician, performing with the Sophisticated Swing, a full swing band that graced the Yakima Valley for many years. He was a member of Yakima Community Band, and the director of the band for several years. He was a member of the brass quintet as well as multiple jazz bands. He often performed in church services across the valley. His favorite instrument was trombone, his second-favorite, tuba. He could play any instrument, yet he had a passion for the brass. He gained many lifelong friends from the music community, with whom he greatly treasured spending time. A group of friends that were close often got together on weekend camping trips. Since they were teachers and musicians, we would all sit around the campfire and sing along to the guitars. The songs flowed through the air, sounds of happy kids and parents. We called those camping trips "Woody Woodchuck Camping" (theme song included).

Dan was an avid snowmobiler. He knew every nook and cranny of the wilderness ("up Chinook pass" and beyond). He had a great respect for nature and the wilderness and was a strong believer in responsible recreation. He was a member and officer of the Chinook snowmobiling club. As such, one of his life passions was helping to maintain the "warming hut" up on Little Bald Mountain, a respite for weary sled-travelers. Dan was an accomplished hiker, having scaled Mt. Adams multiple times. He loved to go camping and fishing. He loved spending time at a cabin that he and Cyd had for many years up on Chinook Pass, overlooking the Naches River. He loved to go jeeping, and earlier in his life, motorcycling up in the hills. He loved poker night with his buddies. He loved to tinker around in his shop and was a great mechanic, for not being a professional mechanic. He was also a great general construction contractor, for having never worked in construction. There wasnt anything that our dad couldnt fix, and nothing that he wouldnt do for his kids.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin A. and Helene (Betty) Wallbaum and his brothers-in-law, Cameron Moore and Faye Barbee. He is survived by his children, Carrie Wallbaum Moore, Nathan (Sara) Wallbaum, as well as his grandchildren, Emily and Levi Gabbard, Ezekiel and Camden Wallbaum, as well as Ryder Clayton, Audrie Prather, and Xzaevian Prather-Olivera, his sisters, Diana Herron, and Becky (Frank) Scott, aunt, Mary Lizotte, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. He is also survived by his former wife of many years, Cyd Moore Wallbaum (mother of Carrie and Nathan) and Cyds brothers, Scott (Cindy), Peter (Deborah), Don, and Douglas.

Dad fought a hard battle against prostate cancer, yet he passed on to heaven so peacefully. We love you, dad.

A Funeral Service in memory of Dan will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Grace of Christ Presbyterian (was once First Presbyterian) Church (9 South 8th Ave., Yakima). The service will be live streamed by the church for anyone living out of the area. A Potluck Reception will follow immediately, at Dans shop. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Terrace Heights Memorial Park, at a later date for immediate family.

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.

Click to view LIVE service

Funeral Service
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Saturday, March 11, 2023
11:00 AM
9 S 8th Ave
Yakima, WA 98902

Graveside Service
Terrace Heights Memorial Park
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
2:00 PM
3001 Terrace Heights Dr.
Yakima, WA 98901