Robert G. Dean

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of California| Berkeley University of Delaware University of Florida University of Washington

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Gainesville, Florida

Robert Dean Obituary

DEAN,
ROBERT GEORGE, 84
Robert G. Dean of Gainesville, FL passed away Saturday February 28, 2015 at North Florida Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.
Robert (Bob) was born November 1, 1930 in Laramie, WY, to George Horton and Harriet (Blevins) Dean. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and sisters, Lillian Dean, Miriam (Dean) Allard Massell, and Parke (Dean) Langholf. Bob lived in Walden, CO until the age of 12 before moving to Long Beach, CA with his mother, Harriet, and sister, Miriam.
Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach in 1948. Upon graduation he attended Long Beach City College for 2 years, graduating with an Associates of Arts Degree in 1952, a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California Berkeley in 1954, a Master's Degree in Oceanography from Texas A&M University in 1956, and a Doctorate of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959.
Bob was a researcher, consultant, practitioner, and professor in coastal engineering, and loved studying beaches. He taught at several universities including MIT, University of Washington, University of Delaware, and University of Florida (UF). From 1985 to 1987 he was Director of the Division of Beaches and Shores, Florida Department of Natural Resources, and was named Emeritus Graduate Research Professor upon his retirement from UF in 2003. Bob was a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), an ASCE Diplomate in Coastal Engineering, a Member of the National Academy of Engineering, and authored or coauthored three books, more than 20 book chapters, and more than 200 technical publications. He was active in several professional organizations studying and promoting the health of beaches including the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association.
Bob is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Phyllis (Thomas) Dean, daughter Julie (Dean) Rosati of Arlington, VA, son Tim Dean and his wife Ruth Dean of Gainesville, FL. He had five grandchildren: Robert Rosati of Austin, TX, William Rosati of Mobile, AL, and Michael, Brian and Courtney Dean of Gainesville, FL.
In his spare time Bob enjoyed hunting and making arrowheads, stream fishing for trout, and spending time with his family. Bob and Phyllis enjoyed trips back to Colorado most summers for fishing, hiking and visiting with family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 West Newberry Road, with Pastor Asa Walker officiating.
Bob loved life and loved his vocation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Florida Foundation, PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604 or online at www.uff.ufl.edu. Please note 'Fund #006239 in memory of Bob Dean' on your gift. Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Dean

10 Entries

Padmaraj Vengayil

March 10, 2015

Very sad to hear about Prof Dean's passing away. He was one of the best Professors around and his energy and enthusiasm was unlimited and infectious. My condolences to his family.

Jie Zheng

March 9, 2015

I am very sad to learn that Prof. Dean passed away. He loved teaching and studying beaches and dedicated himself to beach protections. As his student of four years at UF, I remember him as a positive, humble, kind and fun person and feel blessed to have the opportunity learn from him. My sincerest condolence to the family.

March 9, 2015

I AM DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD BLESS. RICK

Robert MacArthur

March 5, 2015

Our County lost a great scientist, teacher, friend and role model. Phyllis, Julie, and Tim: Please accept our sincere condolences as we all feel the deep sadness of losing a dear friend and mentor! We miss you Bob!
Bob MacArthur, Ed Wallace - Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Sacramento, CA.

Jose I. and Carmen Garcia-Bengochea

March 4, 2015

The University of Florida will miss a great profesor, the state of Florida has lost a great engineer and scientist enhancing and protecting its beaches and coasts, and we are going to miss a great friend.

Debbie Dixon

March 3, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sergio Schmidt

March 3, 2015

My wife Marisa and I are very sad to learn that Robert Dean passed away. I was his student at UD and UF and I remember him as a humble, positive man with good sense of humor and love for teaching. I learned from him to love the coasts. He is an unforgettable man and professor.
We send our condolences to Phyllis, Julie and Tim and their families.
Sergio and Marisa Schmidt

Ruth Carter

March 3, 2015

I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great and kind man. He said to me once that he loved his vocation because he was given the opportunity to work with nature and science; I adopted that in my own career as a Coastal Engineer. I feel blessed and honored to have known and worked with him over the last 25 years. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Bikash Saha

March 3, 2015

I am so sorry to hear that. He was so dedicated to work, and kept working till his last breath. We were working in a project for FEMA, couple of weeks ago I sent some data to him, it is still in his table..People only see the beauty of Miami Beach but don't know/see the contribution Bob dean for it. I believe some people will remember you for your dedication to coastal zone management.

Trimbak (Nana) Parchure

March 3, 2015

I am extremely sorry to learn that Prof. Dean passed away. Although I was his student at UF, he was also my Mentor and later, a friend. I send my condolences to his family and share their grief. We have lost a very nice gentleman and one of the greatest Coastal Engineer in the world. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Dr. Nana Parchure, India

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