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Dean Bright Obituary
Oct. 13, 1973 - Oct. 4, 2006
Services for Dean Robert Bright, 32, of Sutherlin, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Sutherlin High School, 500 E. Fourth Ave. Graveside services will follow at the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery in Roseburg.
Dean was born Oct. 13, 1973, in North Bend. He died Oct. 4, 2006, while serving the country in Iraq.
He spent his whole life in Sutherlin, graduating from Sutherlin High School in 1992. While in high school, Dean spent all four years in FFA. He also enjoyed playing football and baseball and he served as senior class president.
Dean married the love of his life, Becky Sanders, on July 23, 1994. The couple share two wonderful children, son, Jarrod, who was born July 20, 1997, and daughter, Madison, who was born July 5, 2000. Dean's proudest accomplishments in life are his children.
He volunteered with the Sutherlin Fire Department, and was a reserve police officer in Powers. He also served on the Sutherlin City Council in 2001 and was a proud member of the Myrtle Point Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dean enjoyed coaching girls' softball, riding four-wheelers, hunting with his dad, talking with family and friends and making all who knew him laugh. Dean worked several places, but most of his time was spent at U.S. Marine/Bayliner in Winchester.
Dean joined the U.S. Army in September 2005. He was deployed to Iraq with the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in March. During that time, he received the Bronze Star with Valor. Since his death, family has been notified that Dean will be receiving another Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Other awards that Dean was awarded during his service include the Army Accommodation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and the Expert Weapons Badge.
He was a wonderful father, son, brother and friend. His family and friends will love him and miss him more than words can say.
Dean is survived by his father, Bob Bright and his wife, Emily, of Myrtle Point; mother, Norma Lane and her husband, Chris, of Sutherlin; the love of his life, Becky Bright of Sutherlin; son, Jarrod Bright of Sutherlin; daughter, Madison Bright of Sutherlin; sister, Sandra Powell and her husband, Ron, of Roseburg; special niece, Myah Dalby of Roseburg; grandparents, Tink and Jean Bright of Sutherlin; and grandmother, Darlene Pingleton and her husband, Tom, of Winston.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Fullerton.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Dean Bright Memorial Fund at any Premier West Bank.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of the Firs in Sutherlin, (541) 459-2281.
Sign the guestbook at http://www.theworldlink.com.
This obituary was originally published in The World.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charlie Gili
October 6, 2017
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Bright Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Dean R. Bright US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Peggy Childers
October 4, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Dean R. Bright:
Please accept my remembrance of Dean on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
October 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Dean R. Bright:
Remembering Dean on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Cozette Haggerty
April 29, 2009
Re: PFC Dean Robert Bright
Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,700 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!
Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: [email protected]
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls
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Kenna Larra
March 6, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Norma Lane
October 7, 2008
To my Son, P.F.C. Dean R. Bright, No words can express how I feel. Been two years now, but still seems like yesterday when it all happen. Your B-day is coming up, October 13, you would of been 35, but lost you at 32. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, you are always on my mind. I think of your laugh, that smirk on your face, the twinkles in your eyes when you where up to something. You always had something going. You had an heart of Gold, you went out of your way to do for others, no matter how busy you where, you did it. I Thank God for your children, and all the things you had me promise you, I'm carrying them out for you ! We all love you Dean, miss you so much !! Happy Birthday, my Son !! Love you, Mom
October 6, 2008
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Dean in Iraq 2006
October 6, 2008
In Memory of Dean ~ (Debra Estep)
October 4, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Dean, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
September 22, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Dean R. Bright:
Dean gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
the Buck family
June 21, 2008
To the family and friends of Pfc. Dean R. Bright, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.
June 8, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Bright!
Derrick A
June 4, 2008
To the Familly of PFC Dean Bright: Its been almost 20 months since I heard of PFC Brights death. I met him in April of 2006 at Camp Taji. He spoke fondly of his family back home and his plans to wed. I want you all to know my heart sank when I learned of his death. He was one of the great heroes of 7-10 CAV.
God Bless You All for Giving Him to the US Army. You are not forgotten PFC Bright
Malama Pono
LTC A
Vida Salazar-Medina
December 3, 2007
It was an honor knowing Dean for more than the obvious reasons. Dean and I became friends and spoke whenever we could by messenger and webcam. I will never forget his shy smile and black beanie that he finally took off to show me his shaved head. I am greatful for being able to meet Dean, In Sept. 06 was a single mom of 4 and was enlisted in the Army. I had already gone to MEPS and swore in once, i had a ship date and just needed my last swear in. It was Dean that helped me out of this decision, he even called the office and spoke to the recrutier that was not so nice to me about my decision not to go. Dean is a true and very caring friend. I miss him and think of him often. I pray for his family, he spoke of his mom,sister and children often.
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
August 1, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Bright and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
ROBYN GARSIDE
March 14, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THRE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR CHILDREN. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Glen
February 1, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Merry (Warner) Armin
December 29, 2006
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your son. I remember Dean as a little boy when you use to bring him to my house in Powers, Norma. I've since lost two sons of my own so I know the pain you're going through.I just try to remember the good times we had and how blessed to have such loving sons. God has given me the strength and courage to go on and HE will you, too. God bless all of you.
Patti (Warner) Spence
December 28, 2006
I have very fond memories of Dean when he was just a little guy playing with my girls and running around calling me "Pot Bea". I feel your pain and sorrow and know that my heart is with you.
Sara Hager
November 12, 2006
I met Dean through my brother. He was the best person he could be and he is the best friend ever. I got to know him really good after what he did for PFC Devon Gibbons. I know he is in a better place and I pray for yall daily...
Sara
Janet Reese
November 11, 2006
I didn't know Dean, but I have met his brother Clyde who lives in Alaska. Clyde's wife Valerie, is one of my dear friends and I know how hard it was for them when Dean died. I am so sorry for the loss to his family and country.
November 8, 2006
Our heartfelt condolences to the Bright family, we share your great loss. Our prayers are with you. Pfc. Bright thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, you will never be forgotten, you are an American Hero.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."
Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]
San Antonio, Texas
Rick & Cathy Robidoux
November 8, 2006
Please accept our family’s heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marine Parents of
LCPL Craig Robidoux &
LCPL Derek Robidoux,
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
November 8, 2006
God bless you Dean and rest in peace.The lush meadows and peaceful valleys of your drems are dreams no more.
Fran and John Berge
October 26, 2006
So sorry about your loss. He was a very special person reading all the things everyone who knew him said. You can feel proud to have been his Father. May God be a compfort to you.
Fran and John Berge
October 26, 2006
So sorry about your loss. He was a very special person reading all the things everyone who knew him said. You can feel proud to have been his Father. May God be a compfort ot you.
Kathy and Rob Bryan
October 25, 2006
To the family of Pfc. Dean Bright,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your son. It takes a
special person to be a soldier. You have to have courage to know what is expected of you and to do what you need to do. Your son was brave and he is a hero. He will not be forgotten and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
(parents of 1LT Jeff Bryan, B TRP, 7-10 CAV,4ID)
Laurie, Mark and Kyle Whitham
October 22, 2006
Our condolences to the family of Pfc. Dean Bright. May God comfort you through family and friends and special memories.
Sincerely,
The family of US Army Spc. Chase R. Whitham (May 8,2004, Mosul, Iraq)
Ed Waterman
October 21, 2006
PFC Dean Bright represented everything that is great about America. He personified what America is all about and he did what great Americans do. They serve and they care and at a tremendous sacrifice for their loved ones back home.
I don't throw out hero worship lightly and sports guys not named Tillman sure as hell aren't the role models for my kids.
I talked to my children today about Dean Bright and my boys are more likely to someday follow his tracks to the Middle East than their Grandpa's tracks in Normandy to serve and protect our great land, our families and our way of life.
We have long ago heard what Dean did for our local boy Devon and for that he will never be forgotten. Actually, Dean had kind of become a local folk hero around here and we had heard about his bravery long ago. Dean could have visited our county in Washington State and never had to pay for a dinner! We are a military community and everyone knows somebody somewhere in the two theatres (and those now patrolling off N Korea).
For all those that selflessly pull others from harms way or run up the stairs of burning buildings while everyone else is running down, you deserve a better place in the afterlife than all that stand by and watch. You left us WAY too soon Dean, however your memory casts a long shadow.
To your parents and your beautiful children Jarrod and Madison, our hearts and souls are with you at this most difficult time.
PFC Dean Bright. Soldier. Father. American Hero.
Never forget.
October 21, 2006
Our hearts mourn the loss of your son, husband, father, brother, and our American Hero. Psalm 34:18 reads: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and gives strength to those who are crushed in spirit." Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Jimmy & Dena Lloyd
Parents of SSG Michael C. Lloyd
(KIA 8-12-06 Operation Iraqi Freedom, 4th ID, Ft. Hood)
SALENA LILLARD
October 20, 2006
To the family of PFC Dean Bright
You know he is a hero and a very special person to so many of us. I miss you and you touched my heart as a classmate (92') and a friend.Forever, I remember so many happy times and your laughs, Thank you for your service to our country.
Tom Healey
October 19, 2006
To the Family of Pfc. Dean Bright,
My cousin SSG Christopher Moudry served and gave the ultimate sacrifice Pfc Bright. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Gary Allain
October 16, 2006
Pfc. Dean R. Bright
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
S'te Elmore (Bright)
October 15, 2006
Dean,
You will be forever in my memories. Thank you for being a brave, honorable, courageous HERO. May you rest in peace but never be forgotten. I will miss you.
Cynthia H
October 15, 2006
Dean's life is an inspiration to the dedication of service to something greater than himself. Our sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
May God's embrace comfort you.
Audrey Bright
October 14, 2006
Dean was my husband's cousen. He was like a brother to him. Mike is there now at the services and Im here in Colorado with the kids. I want to say to the family I wish I could be there to support. My trees are draped with yellow ribbons in Dean's honor. We love you and will keep in touch over the holidays.
love, Audrey, Kendra, Karley, Trevor.
Randy Belanger
October 14, 2006
Forty-Five plus years ago Billy and Bobby Bright were childhood playmates. Then I lost track. What a tragic way to relocate the family. My heart goes out to the whole family.
Lee Sirotnak
October 13, 2006
Please accept our condolences for your loss. May God ease your pain and give you strength in this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers, that you find comfort in God’s love and joy in the memory of your Soldier, Dean.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 13, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Bright family in the loss of Dean. I did not know Dean, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.Dean you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Garnet Jenkins
October 12, 2006
I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Pfc. Dean R. Bright
The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May Dean rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord be with the Bright family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
Hoping you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today, as this Country mourns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
May the memories of Dean, live in your heart always.
Softly and slowly....
Time heals...
October 12, 2006
To the Family of Pfc. Dean R. Bright:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son (SFC Brent A. Adams) 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Pam and Bill Adams (Proud parents of SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
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