Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
A large group of the Donohue clan gathered prior to the start of Dayton Days' Saturday rodeo for a commemorative ceremony in which the 2024 rodeo was dedicated to the late Tim Donohue, life-long Columbia County resident and president of Dayton Days, Inc. at the time of his death last January. From left, Kylie Wheatley, Ralene Wheatley, Jeremy Wheatley [nephew], Tera Wheatley, Katie Wheatley, Joshua Wheatley [nephew], Gloria Wheatley, Kresta Byington [niece], Shane Byington, Casi Smith [cousin], Dayton Days president Loyal Baker, Sharon Welch Lundgren, Aran Donohue [son], Tim Roughton [grandson], Hailey Roughton and Jak [great grandson, behind Tim], Dwyla Donohue [aunt], Randall Donohue [uncle], Kelly Donohue [brother], Virginia Donohue [wife of Randall], Aiden Donohue [son of Randall and Virginia], and Shannon Smith Keown [cousin]. In this photo, Baker is presenting a commemorative plaque to Donohue's long-time friend Sharon Welch Lundgren.
The ceremony honoring Tim Donohue prior to the Friday evening rodeo was attended by these members of the Donohue family who were there to recognize Donohue's passion and support for horse racing and the equine industry. From left: Dayton Days President Loyal Baker, Sharon Welch Lundgren, Claudia Nysoe, Dain Nysoe [cousin], Dalton Donohue [nephew], Randall Donohue [uncle], Kelly Donohue [brother], Tim's son Aran Donohue, Casi Smith [cousin], Virginia Donohue, and the Columbia County Fair Court, Cedar Stegall, Kayla Mikesell, Alyssa Hollingworth, and Sara Ann Wilson.
Tim Donohue
DAYTON–Both days of the 2024 Dayton Days Rodeo were kicked off with a ceremony honoring the contributions of the late Tim P. Donohue, president of Dayton Days, Inc. since its reinvigoration a few years ago, which included efforts to reintroduce pari-mutuel horse racing to Dayton, while, in the meantime, putting on a Memorial Day rodeo as a community event to promote Dayton and Columbia County. Donohue passed away in January, 2024.
Loyal Baker, who succeeded Donohue as president of the non-profit organization, presented commemorate plaques to Donohue's son Aran Donohue, and his long-time friend Sharon Welch Lundgren, and reminded the audience of Donohue's contributions to not only the local organization, but to the Thoroughbred breeding industry and horse racing throughout his lifetime.
"He was a fourth-generation wheat farmer and cattle rancher, born and raised here in Dayton," Baker said. "He graduated from Dayton High School in 1966, attended Whitman College then joined the family farm.
"He and brother Kelly bred Thoroughbreds, notably seven-race winner My Lite Nite and five-race winners Senator D and Trixie Two," Baker continued. "Another winner bred by Tim was stakes-placed seven-race winner Ryan Walt. Both My Lite Nite, who became his final winner on September 3, 2023, at Grants Pass Downs, and Ryan Walt were out of the good Conquistador Cielo mare Lite Nite who he had gotten from his cousin Renee Larrabee. Among his other mares were daughters of Lord Avie and Far North."
In 2022, Donohue testified before a Washington House of Representatives committee in support of a bill which would have designated a small portion of sales taxes on equine products and services to a fund dedicated to promoting horse racing and other equine elements in the state. The measure passed the House with overwhelming support but died in committee in the Senate. In 2023, the effort was not pursued.
Donohue was a member of the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
