Dean E. Jennings

Dean E. Jennings Lansing Born July 4, 1927, in Lansing Michigan and passed away 4 days after his 86th birthday on July 8, 2013. Dean attended East Lansing High School and graduated from Lansing Eastern, after which he enlisted in the US Navy serving in the Pacific during WWII. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. For many years Dean was a construction cost estimator with such buildings to his credit as Edgewood United Church of Christ where he was a long-time member, East Lansing Public Library, MSU Planetarium, and various other building projects in the area and on campus. He retired as a construction engineer from Fisher Body in Lansing. Dean was a member and Past Commander of the Lansing Chapter of US Power and Sail Squadron, and the West Michigan Navigators Society. A consummate sailor, whether running on a beam reach flying a jenny, or closed-hauled with a hankie in a gale, his passion was sailing his beloved Lake Charlevoix, the Great Lakes, and the Virgin Islands with First Mate Pat. In the Winter he loved to ski the slopes of Northern Michigan with his family. He transmitted his love of nature to his children and hiked mountain trails in the West and Nova Scotia with Pat at his side. Dean is survived by his best friend and wife of 64 years, Patricia M.; four children, Pamela, Danford, Trisha, and Sue; granddaughters, Simone and Melissa; and 3 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday July 21, 4:00 pm at Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dean's memory to the Nature Conservancy, 101 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com