Dean Wesley Rhoads III

Dean Wesley Rhoads, III It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Dean Wesley Rhoads. Dean lost his long and very courageous battle with colon cancer on February 4, 2009. He was loved dearly by his family, his mother and his very large extended family. We will miss him terribly. Dean was born to Dean and Karla Rhoads on September 14, 1961, in San Diego. He enjoyed life in Point Loma, roaming the beaches of So. California, surfing, fishing and having fun on the cliffs until he went to college, graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with double degrees in Architecture and Construction Management. After studying at Cal Poly, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Pew, proposed to her on Bishops Peak and married into the very big family of Pews on April 17, 1993. Dean and Liz moved to Sunnyvale in 1995, Dean establishing himself as the architect who didn't build houses, but designed "homes". His attention to detail was unsurpassed by any and his business flourished at "Rhoads House Associates". Liz and Dean had their children, Samantha, in 1996, followed by 2 boys, Michael in 1997 and Christopher in 1999. Dean had many interests. Among them were hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming, scuba diving, boogie-boarding, surfing, building tree-houses and archery. Dean was an avid bow hunter and a true outdoorsman. Sitting around the campfire on the annual "Working Mans Weekend" smoking cigars and sipping cocktails was one of his most favorite times. He was an animal lover, especially his dear old dog Sampson, who preceded him in death just a year ago. He loved any adventure and was willing to try anything new, as along as it didn't involve jumping out of an airplane. His wit was matched by none. He was bright, intriguing, inquisitive, always asking questions, always the leader, always the caretaker. His cancer was all consuming. He was brave and tolerant of all the treatments and the intractable pain he experienced for months. Dean's love and zest for life was evidenced by his strength, courage and will to live as long as he could to be able to enjoy his children and wife to the very last moment. He died at home with Liz at his side. Dean was the epitome of what a man would want to remembered as: a devoted husband, a dedicated father, a faithful friend, a dear brother in law, a fine son and will be so missed by all who loved him. He leaves behind his loving mother Karla in San Diego, his loving wife, Liz, who nursed him to the very end, and his children Samantha, 13, Michael, 11, and Christopher, 9. He is survived by half - brothers Jerry and Jack and half -sister Deana, his aunt, Irmgard, and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his in- laws, Bill and Elaine Pew, sister and brother in laws: Kathy, Jeanne, Paula, Maggie, Tom and Rob. Dean also had many close friends and associates. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the "Rhoads Children" fund at WAMU for their college educations (Samantha Rhoads Savings #953-670263-5). A Memorial service will be held at St. Marks Church 125 E. Arques Av. in Sunnyvale on Sunday Feb, 15 at 2PM. Arrangements are being made with Spangler Mortuaries. For more information, spanglermortuary.com or 408-736-6294.