Dave Armitage

In Loving Memory of Dave Lee Armitage

Dave Lee Armitage, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, departed from this world peacefully on April 10, 2026. Dave was born February 1,1946 in Kendrick, Idaho, and lived in Lewiston, ID then Kennewick, WA, retiring to Mill Creek WA to be near his children and grandchildren. Throughout his life, Dave touched the hearts of many with his humor, humility, acts of service, and work ethic.

Dave was an identical twin, a source of identity and pride throughout his life. He grew up in Southwick, a small Idaho farming community, and had great stories to tell of the hijinks he and his brother pulled in town. He attended Kendrick H.S. playing 8-man football and basketball, helped with harvests, and graduated1964. He attended Northwest Nazarene College, majored in Education, and graduated in 1968. He met Ardean at NNC and they married in 1967. They remained married until his passing, celebrating 58 years together. They had 2 children, Heather and Chad, who remember their father with love and laughter along with his many Dad jokes. He delighted in his 4 grandchildren and was a steady, regular presence in their lives. Dave was preceded in passing by his mother Ruth, father Rollin, and twin brother Doug.

Dave worked hard for most of his life, first on farms, then at the sawmill during college. He became a teacher at Lewiston High School, then a business owner, salesman and safety trainer. He passed on a strong worth ethic to his family, and approached work and life with a good dose of ironic humor. He volunteered at church and helped raise funds and oversee building a new one in Kennewick. Dave enjoyed activities with family, was an avid sports fan, and lived to see his beloved Seahawks win a second Superbowl. Dave was an active member of the Lewiston Church of the Nazarene and Kennewick Church of the Nazarene, serving in choir, finance and building committees. He enjoyed golf, and when he could no longer play himself, watched TV matches whenever he could. In later years, he took daily walks and enjoyed talking to people wherever he went.

Dave’s favorite pastime was vacationing at his brother’s Dworshak cabin, which he and his father helped build, and he and Ardean owned after his brother’s passing. He felt close to the land where he grew up, loved to watch wildlife, boat and fish on the lake, and practice his hobby of landscape photography on old barns, antique farm equipment and sunsets. Dave also loved playing card and table games, especially Scrabble and cribbage, all with his ever-present “pop” in hand. Dave often helped watch his grandchildren when they were small, and took pride in their accomplishments as they grew into adults. He was always offering to lend a hand, and showed his love by acts of service to family.

As we mourn the loss of Dave, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the indelible mark he left on this world. Dave is survived by his wife Ardean Armitage; his daughter Heather Nelson and her husband Jay, granddaughter Carrie and husband Justin, and granddaughter Brooke; his son Chad Armitage and his wife Marie, and granddaughter Naomi and grandson Noah; his sister Rona Meske and her husband Duane. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

May Dave rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.