William Primus Obituary

William David Primus

September 3, 1942 - June 27, 2025

Richland , Washington - Tri-Cities businessman and long-time Pasco booster W. David Primus, age 82, of Richland, passed away June 27, 2025, at Kadlec Hospital after months of declining health. Dave was born September 3, 1942, in Spokane, WA, to Kenneth and Carol (nee' Tessier) Primus. He grew up in Genessee, ID, where he starred on the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

At age 19, Dave left college to help support his mother and two younger siblings after the untimely death of his father. In 1962 Dave married Patricia Magee (also of Genessee). They had four children and raised them in Clarkston, WA, La Grande, OR, Sioux Falls, SD, and Salt Lake City, UT, before settling in Pasco, WA, in 1974, where he opened Primus Fashion Footwear.

During his 50 years in the Tri-Cities, Dave was a major supported of Pasco High School, in addition to being an incredible father, loyal friend, frustrated golfer, Kiwanian, track coach, insurance salesman with New York Life, member of Kennewick 1st Presbyterian Church, exuberant story teller, and WIAA track and field official (running the State meet and the Pasco Invite for decades with his buddy John Crawford).

Dave is survived by his wife of 23-years, Karen (nee' Lookingbill) Primus, of Richland; his brother, Tom Primus (and Patti March), of Graham, WA; his sister, Becky (Gene) Bann, of Lewiston, ID; and his four children, Ken (Melanie) Primus, of Richland, Heidi (Doug) Fassler, of Prosser, Tammy Fraga, of Kennewick, and Katie Stoffle (and Rich Jones), of Richland. Dave also leaves behind 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).

Services will be held Wed., July 16, at 2 p.m., Kennewick 1st Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave. Kennewick, WA.