Dean Heward

I´m only just now seeing this. President Heward stands out as one of the most gentle and humble men of my youth. And Linda was his perfect match, always loving and supportive. I can see their smiles and hear their voices in my mind. Memories of each of them bring feelings of light and love. Both tremendous blessings to those whose lives they have touched. Linda and family, I´m so sorry for your loss.

Since the moment in time that Mr. Heward was my teacher until today, I have thought and spoken about the impact he has had on my life often. His passion for physical sciences made me enter undergrad as a science major (molecular, cellular, and developmental bio). The faith he instilled in me to believe in my capacity to become a serious scientist (as a humanities person) led me to understand the impact a relationship an educator, passionate about their subject, can have on a young person. The time he spent fostering my interests and skillfully delegating tasks to me as his TA were teaching tools for me, but it was certain he was going to double and triple check any work I did. He continues to be one of the hardest working educators I have ever met both in my academic life and professional life; he held himself and his students to the highest standards and absolutely prepared me to be successful as a first generation college-going student. He has had an indelible mark on my life. In my life today I am a high school administrator (after being a teacher for many years) and he is the educator I speak of every time we are asked about "the one" who changed everything for us. Mr. Heward would have never known how much he meant to me, but he has absolutely defined who I have grown to be in my life and I am forever indebted to his humble service of people like me who needed both his unrelenting expectations and belief that anyone could meet them. As an aside, the school I work for had a celebration tonight of seniors receiving scholarships and awards. One presenter said, "none of us remember the specific content of the lessons we learned, but we can all name the teachers who had the greatest impact on our lives." My internal voice loudly shouted "WRONG!" as he said that. I absolutely remember Mr. Howard AND I remember even the most insignificant nonsense Mr. Heward taught me about-like the duodenum and its lack of function-because he was just that good. That is not an anecdote simply created to share, it was my actual thought tonight. May every educator and human be a little more like Mr. Heward everyday. It will remain a regret that I never said this all to him directly. With the sincerest of gratitude I send these words to those who might read them.

Mr. Heward was my teacher in high school. I always enjoyed his class and his gentle, calm nature. The pressed flower book and the earthworm dissection were two of my most memorable assignments. RIP sir!

Every one who ever knew Dean just couldn´t help loving him! One of the OUTSTANDING Woodruff boys!!! And I love Linda too! What a sweet kind couple! Blessings on you and your family, Linda! Your cuz, Mina

Mr. Heward was my high school Biology teacher at Nevada Union back in 1980. He was one of my all-time favorite teachers. He made Biology fun, was clearly very intelligent but taught in a very unpretentious way, and was incredibly supportive of his students. I feel very fortunate to have had him as a teacher. My warmest wishes and condolences to his family and friends on his passing.

Mr. Heward was our Life Science teacher in highschool....our condolences to his family, Clayton & Deborah Warren

I never had Mr. Heward in HS but I always remember him as a teacher that kids actually liked. You could see the person he was reflected in his kids. Much love to the family and my buddy Brad, his son. May your grief pass with grace.

My condolences to Linda and the family. Dean was my dear neighbor in LOP Ranchos and he was an amazing biology teacher for my 3 daughters. Dean was so kind and loving. Truly a man of God. He was an outstanding teacher and my girls loved having him as their teacher. Dean will remain in our hearts forever.

Mr. Heward was an amazing teacher and one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever known in my life. He was an amazing teacher, intelligent and articulate who really cared about his students. I will miss him very much and hope he is at peace now.

Linda and family, I´m so grateful to have known your dad and your whole family. I am very grateful for the connections our families forged in Lake Of the Pines. I had the privilege of being the first Chambers son to have been your family´s home teacher. Your dad always made me feel warmly appreciated. I think he is probably the most Christlike man I had ever met, and I wanted to emulate that the rest of my life. I remember our family heading over to go Christmas Caroling a couple of months before I left on my mission to Japan. What a delightful Christmas Eve we spent singing rousing carols together accompanied by myself on the piano. I remember taking several spins in the barber chair, something I had always wanted to do since I was a youngster, and here he was giving us all a grand time spinning anyone who would take a ride. That laughter and joy was hardy and long and it was hard to leave that evening in 1977.

I severely injured my back 2 weeks before leaving on my mission and when Dad asked who I wanted to give me a blessing, I requested your Dad. I´m forever grateful for his kind spirit. When people ask Me today why I love everyone so easily, I tell them "I Am Love. Love is Who I am. Love is What I do." I don´t think anyone personified my sentiments more than your Dad. He truly was a man of Love, who led with a joyful heart and an exuberance that was infectious. My love and appreciation to the whole family.
Warmest regards,
Matt Chambers, Sr.

Dean and Linda were wonderful people. I only met Dean once but remember him as a quiet but knowledgeable man. Rest in peace.