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Gary Dean Obituary
Gary Wayne Dean passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2013 in his childhood hometown of Castaic, CA. He was born on April 5, 1945 in Newhall, CA.
He attended Castaic Elementary School and William S. Hart Junior/Senior High School in Newhall. After high school he went onto college at Los Angeles Baptist College while he worked in the oil industry in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties. While at college he met and married Grace Bell. Gary and Grace had three children: Michael, Debbie, and Karis.
Following college Gary continued to work as a rig supervisor in the oil industry. In the late 1980's he changed careers and began working at Christian church camps. His final posting was at JH Ranch in Etna, CA. He retired from there in August 2012.
Gary is survived by his wife Grace; three children; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his mother Colleen Dean and sister Cheryl Dean Lyons.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Grace Baptist Church, 22833 Copper Hill Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to JH Guest Ranch, 8525 Homestead Lane, Etna, CA 96027. JH Ranch is a Christian Guest Ranch with wonderful programs for teens and for parents and teens. They have been used to mend hundreds of families every summer for over thirty years.
The Signal, November 5, 2013
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Published on signalscv.com November 5 to Novemer 11, 2013
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Dean
Beverly Hanson
December 5, 2013
Memories of Gary will forever be in my heart. He was a gentle man who loved God and my sister. It was difficult to see him suffering in his final days, and I know that now he is free of all that pain. I will miss him so much. My prayers are for you sis. I love you.
November 26, 2013
We didn't know Gary very long yet seemed we had know him and called him friend for years. We will always remember him as a quite, gentle man. When he lead the song service in Yreka if the hymn had 4 verses he had us sing all 4, if there had been 6,all of them!!! When our leader now has us sing all verses of a hymn we think of Gary. He touched our lives by just being Gary! He will be missed. Love you Grace. Tom and Ruth James
Cheryl Lyons
November 26, 2013
A flood of memories have swept over me these past few weeks. Every memory of Gary has brought great joy to me. The years we spent running and playing in the hills around Castaic, building forts and growing up together on Cherry Street will be with me forever.
The years we spent together in high school, me watching Gary play sports. I was so proud to be his sister. He was so handsome, gentle and fun to be with.
As time went by we both married and started separate lives with our families, but he was always in my heart.
Near the end, seeing him suffer as he did, hurt. But, I have the assurance and comfort knowing that I will see him again pain free in eternity.
It's been said "There is a place in the heart that is not like any other. A warm corner lit by the smile of a Brother." How true. Love you my brother. Your Sis.
Anna Bailey Clark
November 24, 2013
Gary was the kindest man at jh ranch.. he would ALWAYS stop to give the wranglers a ride up the hill and he was always smiling. I think about him every time I see a white work truck! Gary was such a gentleman.
Love you grace!
Cierra Cooke
November 19, 2013
Gary was the epitome of a humble servant. I will forever have his kind smile engrained in my mind. I loved walking up to the Lodge and seeing Gary and his faithful buddy Stumpy always working on something that would enhance the guest's Ranch experience. He was one of the most hardworking men I have ever met. The Ranch will not be the same without his presence. He was a true conduit of the love of Christ to all that came in contact with him. We love the Deans dearly!
Bob Fleener
November 12, 2013
I will never forget the way you humbly served him and how his grace was always sufficient for you. What an awesome testimoney you left for all of us. We are blessed to have served along side you and await our reunion together in paradise! Thank you Gary for your faithfulness to him in all that you did.
Bob Earp
November 12, 2013
Dearest Grace & Family, I just wanted to send my sincere condolences to you all. Gary was a great man of faith, and I will always cherish our time together and the things he taught me both work wise and spiritually. May your whole family be at peace, because Gary is finally with the Lord and I am sure that God has called out to Gary, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" Blessings to you and your family. Sincerely, Bob & Gaylene Earp
Jason Ellerbee
November 11, 2013
Gary was truly one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege of meeting. His home and his heart were always open and he welcomed people in with the love of Christ. When I think of a gentleman - Gary fit that description perfectly. He was as gentle as they come, yet as tough as any man I have known. I thank God for the example of true manhood that I saw in Gary's life - his impact lives on!
Lauren Bowen Train
November 10, 2013
I knew I could always count on a ride up lodge hill from Gary and Digger! Hardest worker I have ever met and sweetest spirit. Love you Gary and Gracie, and family, we are praying for you.
Ken, Bob and Gary. Summer of 2007
Debbie Carroll-Behm
November 10, 2013
Mantenance Crew at JH 2007
November 10, 2013
Joyce Bunney Welch
November 10, 2013
Gary, I regret we never met. I reconnected with Grace, my cousin, too late. You must have been a special person to have been loved so deeply and missed so much. As God said: " Well done thy good and faithful servant." Your cousin through marriage, Joyce
Andi Kirkland-Maxwell
November 10, 2013
I am so thankful that I was able to see everyone at Uncle Johnny's recently. Rest in peace and I'll see ya on the other side.
Helen & Alvin Lewis
November 10, 2013
Gary wasn't someone that we knew that well but through you. His quiet unassuming manner let you know that quiet waters run deep as the saying goes and we are thankful that we did meet him. Grace, isn't it wonderful to know that you have the hope that you will see him again. We are praying for you.
Debbie Behm
November 10, 2013
You will forever be in my heart with your boots untied! Rom 12:11
Crystal Weloth
November 9, 2013
Gary and Grace were a part of my life that I shall never forget. You will surly be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace my dear man.
Jennie Lorensen
November 9, 2013
Gary and Grace added much joy and love to our lives when we lived at JH Ranch. I am so grateful for both of your Godly examples. We miss you both. Gary always made us smile and made playing M. Train Dominos so much more fun! We are so grateful that we have the true hope of all being together with each other and with our Lord and Christ forever!
November 9, 2013
Gary, I am so sorry I never got to meet you. Contact with my cousin Grace was so late in life that we never got to meet. I am looking forward to the day when I meet my cousin Gary Dean in Heaven!!!
Ken Lorensen
November 9, 2013
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Gary was a man that showed Christ's love, he was my brother and my friend. I will miss him dearly until the day when we meet again.
Mackenzie L
November 9, 2013
What a beautiful love that Gary and Grace both possess, the Love of our Lord! I have fond memories of working at JH under Grace as my supervisor and her stepping in as my second mom, being a mentor as well as friend. I was able to spend time with Gary, too and see the love he had for his family and for the people around him. He exemplified Jesus in the way he served others and even when he was in pain I never once heard him complain or say an unkind word! I remember seeing him smile, and smile even more so especially around Ms. Grace and Stumpy. I'll never forget the memories of seeing him and Stumpy driving around in his truck at JH; that pup was always with him :). Bless you Ms. Grace. I'm sorry Gary isn't here physically on this earth but have hope you'll see him again. Looking forward to spending eternity worshiping our beautiful Lord together! Love you!
Mallory Johnston
November 9, 2013
Having Gary and grace apart of my life growing up at JH ranch was such a blessing. They served the ranch and with the lords help, they were a huge part in building it up to what it is today. I remember whenever I passed by Gary he would always so hello with a big smile on his face. I knew I could always expect to see him on the tractor or trying to fix a broken water system. He never stopped working! He was a humple and quite man and The Lord used his life to impact everyone he came in contact with. Gary and grace lived a wonderful and beautiful life together. We love and miss you Gary!!
Sherry King
November 9, 2013
What a beautiful life to celebrate! Gary was a Godly man who served God well!
Rick Barber
November 8, 2013
Gary although I did not know you that long you left me with a great example of what a Christian man should be like. Rest with the Angles and in the Lord's arms.
Lori Gunderson Kiser
November 8, 2013
Wow, I remember spending the summer with Debbie when we were teens, and laughing at Gary singing a great rendition of Elvira. And when we were in 3rd or 4th grade, watching him sled on a toboggan, with his 10-gallon cowboy hat. Love you Deb, Grace, Karis, Mike
November 8, 2013
I know Gary is enjoying his new body free from all pain. Someday I will join him there. JoAnne Shelton
Doneine (Ahlheim) Dickinson
November 8, 2013
I was a teenager when I first met Gary & Grace when we joined Castaic Baptist Church back in the 1970's. I remember most his warm heart and his humor. I can still see his smile. Grace, you will be lifted up in prayer as you go through this time. Love to the family!
Julie Jordan Lawson
November 7, 2013
Blessed is the man who trusts in The Lord, whose trust is The Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Gary never ceased to bear fruit and I am grateful for the summers I got to spend with him.
Mille Virden
November 7, 2013
Gary was such a selfless and loving man. He carried the joy of the Lord wherever he went. I cannot think of a time where Gary wasn't bringing a smile to people's faces and uplifting the people around him. What a treasure to know that he is in heaven with our Father. He will be missed. We celebrate his life on this earth and his new life with our Lord!
Gloria Hampe
November 7, 2013
Gary, thank you for being a steadfast rock, but with a gentle and loving heart.
Not many words, but those you spoke were always important and lovely to hear. We will miss you.
Debbie Dean
November 6, 2013
All of my childhood friends remember my dad's wacky sense of humor. Lori never forgot the time we went out to dinner and dad told her he left his wallet at home so we would have to wash dishes. Lol!
My dad taught me that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time.
February 2010
November 6, 2013
November 6, 2013
dear Gracie, old friend. Mike says he loves to remember when you & Gary won a Sunday School contest at church, Mike said you & Gary could eat anywhere you chose in L.A. and Gary wanted a Chinese Restaurant, a very cheap date that night, but one we remember fondly sharing with you. Gary was a quiet strong Christian who lived his faith, who loved his family & friends. We were blessed to call him friend for 40 years. Mike and Janet
Susan Houg
November 6, 2013
Gary impressed me (in our brief acquaintance through my friendship with Grace) as a true husbandman. Solid, gentle, strong, reliable - a sturdy oak of a man who would not easily bend in the storm, providing a quiet refuge for those privileged to be around him.
Gary with staff at retreat
Raymond Shelton
November 6, 2013
We are sad to lose Gary from our circle of friends but glad to commend him into the loving arms of our Savior and Healer. Gary was a colleague and co-worker for eight years at JH Ranch, and I miss seeing him in his place. May our blessed Lord add comfort, peace and hope to Grace and all the family. We love you.
Eric and Katie Nickoli
November 6, 2013
Grace was a man after God's own heart, who by his own actions, modeled to me an so many other young men at JH Ranch, how to do the same. I will miss him on this earth.
Twila Frederick
November 6, 2013
Gary displayed the true servant heart of the Father. Countless times he came to the Wrangler to save us girls from mice or bears.. :) and fix things so we would be comfortable...all with a smile on his face with his famous sidekick - Stumpy. I remember when we got new bunk beds in the Wrangler and Gary went out of his way to make the space in between the bunks a little higher for us "big" kids. He was a true blessing to all the families of JH....Gary....you will be missed by so many! Bless you sweet Grace and your family, may you know the peace that passes understanding and find the strength to rejoice in Gary hearing "well done my good and faithful servant". We love you.
Tyler Higginbotham
November 6, 2013
Gary was a gentle man with a servants heart. I am blessed to have known him for the short time I did. He is loved dearly by the JH family and greatly missed.
Drew Travis
November 6, 2013
Gary's soft and gracious presence will be missed by his friends at Scott Valley Berean Church. Gary's love for Christ flowed out of his life every day. He was a hard and dependable worker at JH Ranch. He loved God's Word and that was clear from the sight of his well worn Bible. Gary will be missed by his friends and family. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Pastor Drew Travis
Grace Dean
November 6, 2013
Gary, you are so missed by all your family, but we are glad that your suffering is over and that you are with the Lord. We rejoice in that you are more whole and healthy than you have ever been. You were a wonderful husband for 48 years, a good father and grandfather, and a godly man. I love you so much! Your loving wife.
Marie Simmons
November 6, 2013
I can still hear Gary leading the singing accompanied by Grace on the piano at the Baptist Church in Yreka. He was a quiet, soft spoken man, but when he sang it was from his heart. I loved to hear him sing "How
Great Thou Art". God bless you, Grace, and all his loved ones.
Tami Sheeler
November 6, 2013
Gary will be truly missed and my heart goes out to his family at this time. Although I do know Gary is with the Lord.
Tranya Howard
November 6, 2013
Gary was always one to make me laugh and was always a very upbeat part of our family. I look back on very fond memories of going to his families house and spending time. His daughter Debbie was one of my favorite cousins. I am eternally grateful to have had him in our family and that I was able to see him again recently.
Brian Howard
November 6, 2013
My condolences go out to each and every one whos lives Gary has touched, im saddened as i would have liked to get to know gary more, he will be missed by many but never forgotten, Rest in piece Gary, God Bless.sending our love, "The Howards"
Tori
November 6, 2013
It was a blessing to spend 2 summers around Gary. He exemplified joyous servitude to all at the Ranch. Praise be to God for a life well lived! I know He heard the welcome of our Father saying "well done good and faithful servant."
Lynne Babbitt
November 6, 2013
Gary was a very special cousin. I always looked up to him and admired him. He was a Senior at Hart when I was a freshman, and his upright way of life was an encouragement and inspiration to me. Thank You, God, for Gary and all You have done through his life here. Thank You that though we grieve, we grieve with the comfort that he is safe and happy with You, and one day we will join him.
Barney &Alice Mountz
November 6, 2013
It was pleasure getting to know Grace and Gary. They were a blessing to our church. They used their great gifts for music faithfully for quite a few years. Gary was a gracious gentleman and a wonderful example of a "man after God's own heart."
Stacy Dietz
November 5, 2013
Dave and I are so thankful that we were able to have you in our lives this past year. It was very clear early on, how much Gary loved God's word, captured it in his heart and applied it to his life.
Judy Whitmire
November 5, 2013
Wayne and my husband Carl Whitmire worked together in the oil fields. They reconnected at Grace Baptist where Carl was an usher. Carl always spoke highly of Wayne. My sincere condolences on your loss.
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