With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Dakota Levi Washam. Dakota passed away on September 12, 2026 at St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dakota was born on November 9, 1996 to William Dale and Kristi Washam.
He attended Walnut Elementary School and Rock Springs Junior and High Schools and Western Wyoming College.
Dakota was a fun-loving child who loved to explore the outdoors. Summers would find him exploring nature, swimming, jumping on the trampoline, building Soap Box Derby cars and playing baseball for the Rock Springs Baseball League. Fall would find him in school, raking and jumping in leaves, venturing out to Halloween haunted houses and Trick or Treating with friends and family. Winter would find him sleigh riding down the steepest hills, building snowmen with carrot noses, scarfs and hats. He loved to play in the snow and have snowball fights.
Dakota was a collector of Legos, Pokemon and Yugioh cards, posters and accessories. He loved playing games with family and friends.
Dakota played trombone and bassoon in school bands from grade school through high school. He competed in Speech and Debate for Rock Springs High School and Western Wyoming College.
After graduation, Dakota moved to Salt Lake City where he was employed with Vivint, Bed Bath and Beyond, Cinemark Theaters and Western Governors University. In 2023, he moved back to Rock Springs and worked for WGU remotely as an enrollment specialist. Dakota helped students from all over the world further their education.
Dakota is survived by his grandmother Patricia Washam, Brother and wife Alex and Kelsey McCallister, sister Hope Giles, Best Buddy and love of his life nephew Ian McCallister, Father William Dale, grandparents Dennis and Judy Washam, Aunt and Uncle Wendy and Louis Koritnik, Aunt Beverley, cousins Kyle (Emily) Koritnik, Taylor (Charlene) Koritnik, Zach (Kennedy) Koritnik and several other uncles, aunts and cousins.
Dakota is also survived by his dear friends Brecken and Lynn Brady, Dawn Larsen and many of his friends and coworkers.
Dakota was preceded in death by his mother Kristi Washam, grandparents Louis and Mary Lou Dale, great grandparents Bill and Bette Wonnacott and Harvey and Eileen Washam.
One of Dakota’s special gifts was his love for all animals. Through the years he loved many cat friends Ralphie, Fry, Marshall, Luna, Vanellope, Zuka, Tucker and Zoe.
Dakota had a deep affection for his Aunt Beverley’s dog, Chloe. You would often find him playing with Chloe at night to keep her from waking others. Then you would find Dakota and Chloe cuddled together and sleeping. Sometimes in the most unusual places, like the middle of the hallway. He was kind and caring to all animals.
The 29 years we shared with Dakota left with amazing memories. He will forever have a special place in our hearts. We will miss his smile, laugh, sense of humor and his kind and caring ways.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe Southwest Grill’s Event Room, 1635 Elk Street, Rock Springs.
Rest in peace Koda Bear. Take Our Love with You.
