Wallace Lee Dean Sr.

Wallace Lee Dean, Sr. August 21, 1923 - November 5, 2006 Menlo Park resident, Wally Dean - long time aviator, adventurer and native Californian - passed away Sunday, November 5, 2006 at the age of 83. Wally was born in Orange, California, and graduated from Burbank High School in 1941. He attended Pasadena College where he joined the Navy's V-5 Aviation Program and learned to fly. In 1943 he signed on with Pan American World Airways as a fifth officer. He spent the next 40 years circling the globe and retired as a captain in 1983. His aviation interests continued after retirement with the construction of two experimental airplanes with his son, Wally, Jr. and as a member of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Aero Squadron. As a resident of Menlo Park for 59 years, Wally was active in his community serving as Little League president and Cub Master for the Boy Scouts. He was often heard at city council meetings speaking on behalf of his neighborhood. As an avid photographer, he authored "Along the Line," a photo yearbook of the Pacific pilots at Pan American. He will be remembered most for his passion for aviation, humor, genuine interest in people and desire to explore the world. His adventurous spirit, charisma and outgoing personality landed him friends all over the world. He enjoyed telling his story of the early days of air travel in the Pacific during aviation's Golden Age. He often shared this on television and in public speaking engagements. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Wally is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 62 years, Betty; his daughter Cara Iverson and son-in-law, Mike Iverson of Alamo; his daughter-in-law Heather Dean of Cupertino; and his grandchildren Barkley Dean, Nicole Dean, Scott Iverson and Mia Iverson. Wally is predeceased by his son, Wally, Jr. We love him and will celebrate his wonderful life at a Memorial on Monday, November 13, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Wally's name to The Hiller Aviation Museum - General Fund or to a charity of your choice.