Dr. David Daryl Basler

Dr. David Daryl Basler, beloved son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, friend and teacher passed away on October 3, 2021 at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after sustaining a neck injury in a fall at his life-long family home in Ellensburg, Washington.

Daryl was born in the small town of Yetter, Iowa on Christmas Eve 1928 to parents Mary and Elmer Basler, two years and two days after his only sibling, Barbara. Many years later, their father Elmer died on Daryl’s birthday in 1962, and then in 1998, their mother, Mary, passed on Barbara’s birthday. Then, much to our dismay, Barbara Dillman passed away just a few hours after Daryl on the very same day.

Some of Daryl’s favorite memories from his youth were about the times he spent on the family farm in Iowa.  That love spurred him to buy property in the country along with horses and tractors. He raised his own hay, repaired fences, and hauled out water to the animals in the winter.  Those chores were a daily part of his routine for years, and kept him as active as his walking to and from work and home for lunch each day. Though, his favorite form of exercise was playing handball.

While attending college preparing to become teachers, Daryl met and then married Sallyette Broderson on March 24, 1951. Together they became loving parents to four daughters, all of whom followed them in their chosen profession.

Beth (Mary Elizabeth Vogt) was born in 1952, Peggy (Peggy Sue McNutt) in 1954, Joni (Joni Jane Mitchell) in 1956, and Kathy (Sally Kathryn Hymes) in 1959. Daryl loved telling everyone that it was okay he didn’t have a son. As he put it, “When a child is about to be born, the good Lord looks down upon the household. If the household needs a man, He sends one.” Daryl teased that since he was man enough for our household, that’s why the Lord never felt the need to send him a son.

Daryl brought his family to Ellensburg, Washington in 1960 to accept a teaching position at what is now known as Central Washington University. He remained at Central for 32 and 1/3 years, until his retirement. Daryl was proud of the fact that he only missed two days of work, due to illness, in all those years. Daryl and Sally bought their home in 1961, where Daryl remained until his death. Sally preceded him in death in June, 2009.

Throughout his career, Daryl was first a teacher, then principal, and finally a professor, after receiving his doctorate degree. He was an amazing mathematician, and put those skills to work while serving in the army, teaching junior high and H.S. math in Hampton, Iowa, serving both as an elementary and junior high principal in Anamosa, Iowa, and teaching in the education department at Central along with serving as the athletic representative. He supported many students (including all four of his daughters) doing statistical work while obtaining their master’s degrees,

Daryl is survived by his daughters and their families. Beth and Bud Vogt reside in Ellensburg.  His other three daughters, Peggy McNutt and Dave Heaverlo, Joni and Dean Mitchell, plus Kathy and Mike Hymes all reside in Moses Lake. Daryl had eight grandchildren: Bevin Vogt Thayer (husband Mick) Russell Vogt, Patrick McNutt, Cory McNutt, Kyle Mitchell (wife Kati), Joel Mitchell, Ashley Basler Mitchell, and Sarah Mitchell Oster (husband Luke).  Daryl leaves behind 11 great grandchildren. Daryl will always be remembered by loved ones as being caring, generous, supportive and painstakingly fair. He believed in hard work and stressed education. He was so proud of the fact that his girls all followed in their parents’ footsteps by becoming teachers.

Daryl was a great inventor. One of his greatest inventions was called the Dunkin’ Sandwich, which consisted of peanut butter and Velveeta Cheese on toast. We were instructed to dip that sandwich into hot chocolate. Although it was liked by many, it wasn’t popular with all (sorry, Dad!).

Daryl was also into recycling before it was popular. All of his gifts to his family were wrapped in recycled newspapers. “Why waste good money on wrapping paper?” If you were special, your gift was wrapped in the colored comics section! Due to his love of reading, he ALWAYS had newspapers on hand.

Daryl requested there be no service and we respect his wish. Please send no gifts, but if you feel you must do something in his honor, please donate to your favorite charity. Daryl continually supported so many charitable causes throughout his life.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Dr. Basler and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com