Earl John Menard

Earl “Nibbs” Menard, 82, passed away on November 23, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Nibbs was born on October 21, 1933 in Wapato to Margie and Archie Menard. Nibbs attended Wapato schools and graduated from Wapato High School in 1952. After high school he attended Yakima Valley Community College until 1953 when he enlisted in the Army and served proudly for 2 years stateside. He continued his strong commitment to his country throughout his life.

He was a lifelong resident of the Yakima Valley, and resided in his parents’ home where he was raised for 72 years. Nibbs played football in high school and college, and lettered in both.

At the age of 4, he got his first horse. This began his lifelong love of horses, He actively participated in the Toppenish and All Indian Rodeos in the lower valley, roping, sorting, and eventually, playing polo which was his passion. On a shoe string budget as a father of four, he played polo at the Kelley Oil Polo field in Yakima. He then managed the Toppenish Polo Club where the team was active for approx. 10 years until the team moved to White Swan. Nibbs played on many teams in the Pacific Northwest and was proud to know and participate in this sport with some of the world’s most accomplished players. The sport of polo is immortalized in a Toppenish Mural that he helped fund.

In 1988, Nibbs was on the Founding Board for the long running Heritage Cup Polo Tournament to benefit Heritage College. His love of the sport, as well as humanitarian causes in the Yakima Valley, resulted in lifelong friendships. This success lead him to become a member of Yakima Habitat for Humanity, serving as president and board member for over 5 years.

Just days before he was hospitalized, he talked about his contribution to the history of polo, which is on display now at the Yakima Valley Museum.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna Menard. He is also survived by his daughter Candy Walla Walla of Wapato, son Perry (Angela) Menard of Gig Harbor, Chris (Kim) Morton of Yakima and Libby (Darrin) Giles of Pasco. He is also survived by grandchildren Bethany, Faith, Jordan, Jessica, Brandon, Adam, Stefanie, Danielle, Calla James, Carter, Maya, Claire, Marguerite, and Luc. He has five great grandchildren.

Nibbs was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Penny Lynn Menard, and a son, Nibbs John Menard.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 3-7 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Wapato with interment to follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Yakima Habitat for Humanity or charity of your choice.

Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.