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BORN
1939
DIED
2011
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DEAN DIETRICH Obituary
Dean was born, in Yakima, Washington on June 1, 1939 the son of parents Rudolph John and Iva Eleanor (Rowland) Dietrich. When he was 2 years old, Dean and his family moved to Skagit County where his family owned and operated the JM Rowland Cedar Poles & Piling Company.
He graduated from Auburn Adventist Academy in 1957 and Walla Walla University with a degree in Chemistry in 1961. He attended Loma Linda University, graduating with his degree in medicine in 1965, before moving to Portland, Oregon where he completed his internship at Portland Adventist Hospital.
From 1966 to 1968, Dean served as a Naval Officer in the Public Health Service in Browning, Montana. Dean spent nearly 2 years as a physician in the Adventist Mission hospital in Libya, the first of many health care missions he served abroad. Dean returned home to Skagit County in 1969 where he practiced medicine for nearly 40 years, serving the community he cherished.
Dean, along with his wife Lois, raised their three children in Sedro-Woolley. He was actively engaged in his church and school communities, serving on many committees and boards, at North Cascade Adventist Church, Skagit Adventist Academy, Auburn Adventist Academy, and Walla Walla University.
Dean loved the outdoors, hiking, hunting and fishing, but cherished most of all, the time he spent with his family and friends. We long for the day when we will meet him in Heaven at the feet of the Lord he loved so very much.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 48 years, Lois, at the family home; his sister, Judy Whitehouse and husband Gerald of Loma Linda, CA; his daughter, Tami Erwin and husband Darrell of Dana Point, CA; son, Dr. Greg Dietrich and wife Sharon of Lewiston, Idaho and youngest daughter, Susie Mayhew and her husband James of Battleground, WA; seven precious grandchildren, Jacqueline, Paul, Alex, Coleman, Alyssa, Grady and Jamie, six Thorn brothers and their families, his many "favorite" nieces and nephews and so many extended family and friends from around the globe.
Internment will take place at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A Celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the North Cascade Seventh Day Adventist Church in Burlington, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skagit Adventist Academy Dr. Dean Dietrich memorial fund, 530 North Section, Burlington, WA 98233.
For those who wish to pay respects to Dr. Dietrich, visitation will be available to Lemley Chapel on Thursday and Friday, February 24th & 25th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Services are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Dean and sign the online guest book at www.lemleychapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DEAN DIETRICH
March 3, 2011
Dear Lois,
It has been years since I've seen you and Dean yet I have very fond memories of him as my doctor and friend. I smile often when I drive past his office in SW and remember the time he asked me and Lynda to officiate with song and message at your church when you were in transition with leadership. I remember going over to your house and "anointing" him with good old Catholic oil of the sick one evening. I loved his humor and gentle manner. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a wonderful faithfilled man and I am honored to have been his friend. I am married now and often wanted to share this news with him in person, I know he would have been delighted.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May Dean rest now in the gentle embrace of the God he served so well.
Love,
Rosie Robles Allen
(Sister Rosie)
Stan Whitehouse
March 1, 2011
To Dean's Family,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Dr. Dean was my sister-in-law's brother so knew him as a relative and also as a school mate at Auburn and Walla Walla. My thoughts reach out to the family he cherished. Godspeed.
shay brock
February 28, 2011
What a wonderful doctor!! I remember when I was a little girl Dr. Dietrich gave my cabbage patch doll a shot, to show me it wouldnt hurt.
He also found a problem with my brothers heart, no one else knew what was wrong, he figured it out.
God bless you
Nancy gentry
February 28, 2011
Dear Loise
my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I was unable to attend the service as I had a bug and was staying home. I do want to tell you that I have many wonderful memorie of Dean from went I worked with him at United General Hospital. We shared laughs and worked together well. I remember when you worked with us as well. You take care. I'm glad for those early years when we all worked together closely.
Nancy Gentry
Julie Robbins
February 27, 2011
Our prayers are for the family of Dr. Dietrich.We are sorry to learn that he passed on and we send our love to you. He delivered our first daughter and our second daughter with Dr. Vanoy Smith at United General Hospital. When he came to the hospital to help me deliver the first one, I remember it was hot in July and he was wearing shorts and apologizing for the way he was dressed. I was in a lovely hospital gown and I told him he was dressed much better than I and we laughed! He always shared hunting and fishing stories with my husband when he made his annual trips to get check-ups. We will miss him and we hope you have lots and lots of wonderful memories to share with each other. We were privileged and pleased to have him and Dr. Smith as our family physicians. Lovingly, John & Julie
Ann Buchanan Cowles
February 27, 2011
I worked with Dr. Dietrich in the 70's when I was an LPN working in the Maternity Ward at United General Hospital. Then I had the privelege of meeting his mother when I rented the little house on Reed ST. What a wonderful lady. In the 90's, Dr Dietrich became my Dad's Physhcian when he became ill and passed away. Daddy never got sick or went to the doctor for anything, he was very impressed with Dr.Dietrich, he spoke very highly of him. Thank you Lord, for giving me the oppourtunity to know this family and I ask that you comfort them now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hazel Rasar
February 26, 2011
My condolences to Lois and family in the loss of a husband & father. He will be deeply missed. As a nurse, I worked with and knew Dean when he was a practicing physician at United General Hospital in Sedro Woolley. He was a wonderful and caring person and was always cheerful even when times were difficult for his patients. Sorry to have missed your memorial service.
Derek Nystrom
February 25, 2011
In the hospital's delivery room, literally the first person I ever saw.
My thanks for 33 years of care Doc. You will be deeply missed.
Lois Olmtead Knutsen
February 25, 2011
Just learned of Dean's death. I'm so sorry. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I have such fond memories of our Auburn Academy days when Dean and I were members of the class of 1957. Dean played leadership roles well, and excelled academically. I had fun competing with him in Professor Reed's science classes when our class standing resulted in a "better" chair. It has been nice to see him during subsequent class reunions and catch up with our lives. My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers. Lois Olmstead Knutsen
Carl Hansen
February 24, 2011
Feb 24, 2011
I first met Lois and Dr.Dietrich at a Dale Carnegie seminar. He became my doctor after Dr. King retired. On my many visits to see him we would talk about horses which we both have an interest in. Thanks for the splended care that was given me.
Carl
Kelli Clark
February 24, 2011
As a young high schooler, I had the pleasure of working in medical records in Dr. Dietrich's clinic. He truly was a caring and compassionate man who LOVED his job. He will be grately missed.
February 24, 2011
Our Condolances to the family...our prayers and hearts go out to you.
Always enjoyed doing the families hair and Dr. Dietrich was always a loving caring Dr...I recall him when he was with Vanoy Smith. Such a shock to see he's passed so young...Hugs to you all....may the love of family and friends lift you through this difficult times..Sincerely Vickie Brady (Sorby) God Bless
Jeff Lewis
February 24, 2011
Dr. Dietrich delivered my daughter and 1987 Whenever i would see him he would smile and ask how she was doing. He always was interested and never forgot. Thank you Dr. Dietrich for the years of caring for my family. Jeff
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