Daryl James Lund, 63, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away Dec. 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center in the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with septic shock Nov. 30, 2024. Daryl had been fighting this serious health condition, which unfortunately did irreparable damage. 

He was born Oct. 21, 1961, in Olympia, Washington, and was raised by James and Doris Lund. 

Daryl grew up in Chehalis where he graduated from W.F. West High School in 1979. After high school, Daryl became a volunteer firefighter, serving his community for years. In 2004, Daryl was elected to the Chehalis City Council, serving for over 20 years. He loved Chehalis, Lewis County and all the history of the area. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing the piano and went on to sing with the Two Town Tuners Barbershop Chorus. Later in life, Daryl became a board member of the Centralia- Chehalis Chamber of Commerce and the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, as he was passionate about his community and the railroads. Daryl owned railroad cars, as well as vintage firetrucks. He loved all things vintage and the history that went before him. He was active in the Grange and he helped found and lead the Peninsular Railway and Lumbermen's Museum in Mason County. He also served on the Port of Chehalis Commission. 

Daryl had an entrepreneurial spirit and dove deeply into projects he held dear. He owned the Chehalis Theater, now known as McFiler’s Chehalis Theater, the theater that was previously in Yard Birds and the Montesano Theater. Daryl loved investing in properties and spent many hours driving through Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties with Stuart Cavness looking at real estate. He went on to invest in multiple properties. He and his business partner, Conner Tucker, also opened businesses, including the Star Tavern and two other bars and grills. His recent business venture was buying the former Carroll’s Printing and opening Minuteman Press in January 2024. 

His knack for pranks and hijinks will be remembered by many. All who knew Daryl would say he was quick to give them his advice, even if they didn’t expect it. Tony Ketchum said, “the only thing Daryl worried about was the people of the City of Chehalis and what he could do for them.” He was gentle to all he met and had the biggest heart. A great quote from Brian Mittge, who freelances for The Chronicle, sums it up: "Maybe that’s what I’ll remember most about Daryl. Underneath that smile was a 'buddy-in-waiting.' He had some endless reserve of youthful enthusiasm, even playfulness, that many of us lose over the years." 

Daryl was an open, friendly soul who loved and supported many people in his path, particularly young people getting started in their careers. His influence on others and the community as a whole will be greatly missed. 

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, James and Doris Lund. 

Survivors include his sister, Cheryl Lund-Haddock; uncle, Robert Lund; cousins, Greg Lund, Terri Reitz, Larry Donaldson, Marguee Dunn McCarthy and Julie Lund; nephew, Robert N. Scotton; and niece-in-law, Sandra Jean Towne. 

The family would like to thank Mayor Tony Ketchum, Stuart Cavness, Chad and Coralee Taylor, Stacy Denham, Dr. Huy Dang, Conner Tucker, the gang at Firehouse 5, Dayton Stanley- Teffeteller, Robin Ronnell as well as the community of Chehalis for your outpouring of support during his illness and death. 

A public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26, 2024, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel. All are invited to watch a procession through downtown Chehalis Dec. 27, 2024. Departure is expected from Sticklin Funeral Chapel at 10 a.m. 

For additional procession details, visit www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com. A private friends and family graveside service will be held following this procession. A public celebration of life will be held in the new year.