Dean Ashton Collett

A friend to everyone and loved by all who knew him.

Dean was such an amazing educator, he influenced not only my life but also m6 children´s and grandchildren´s! I´m sure his spirit will be walking the halls of Highland High for eternity.

Dean was like an angel among us at Highland High. His impact on so many of us Rams will be forever grateful.
Thanks for being a great Russian teacher, counselor and friend.

"Collett" was like a big brother to those of us in HH Class of 62´. He was ageless and loved by all. He was my Yearbook Advisor and saw us all through Senior Year with grace He came to our Class Reunions remembering our names

I was on yearbook staff and then editor `66, so spent many after school hours in Collett´s classroom. That meant he did too. We never gave much thought to the unpaid hours he put in to our extracurricular activities, and I´m not sure he did either. He did it out of love for us-all of us-who passed through Highland´s halls for decades. Such a generous man. He was a positive influence for thousands, certainly I among them.

I can't begin to express my appreciation to Dean Collett for having encouraged me and supported me during a time in my life when I was confused and on a downward spiral. In 9th grade he was teaching Russian at Highland High school and I was blessed to have signed up for his class. At that time I was struggling and had no sense of direction or self confidence. In spite of my rebellious ways, Dean Collett always treated me with kindness and even gave me the nickname of "Hisker." I also took a German class from him and would welcome future opportunities to see him the halls or in his class room. He always had time to encourage me and slowly I began to change my ways. Even 20 years later when I was at a restaurant a friend from highschool came over to me to let me know that he and several other friends were having lunch with Dean. I walked over to see him and he greeted me with "Hisker" and said he had a paper that he would mail to me. Several days later, I received a paper that I had written for one of his classes expressing my objectives in life. That paper preceeded my difficult times and I realized that he knew that I did have the potential to redirect my life. My last experience with him was when my grandson went to Highland High in 2018 and 2019. I had shared with him how incredible my experience had been with Dean Collett. To my surprise, my grandson told me that Mr. Collett as still at Highland counseling freshmen who needed assistance. I was able to visit with him and express my appreciation and love for his efforts on my behalf. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dean Collett and it is my prayer that the Lord will provide the blessing of comfort to those who mourn his passing. I have not doubt that his good works to assist others is continuing in another sphere.

Dean was a counselor for 3 generations/4 members of my family, My grandfather in the late 50s/early 60s, my uncle in the early 80s, my sister in the early 2000´s and then me in 2013-2014.

When I was an 8th grader, my family moved from Denver, Colorado to Salt Lake City during the term. I was very nervous to meet new students and teachers, and this was the middle of the term so everyone noticed the new guy in classes. Dean Collett, the math teacher, came to my desk while everyone was working silently on a math problem. He squatted so that he was eye level with me. "Lon, he said, if you need help on anything, anything at all, come to see me. I am here for you." He became my mentor for the next five years and beyond. I love him.

RIP Dean Collett you will be missed I extend my heartfelt sympathy to your family.