John Dean

JOHN DEAN IS HOME WITH HIS LORD NOW (He graduated last Friday...)

With profound love and respect, we remember and celebrate the life of Rev. John Alan Dean, who passed on October 4, 2024 after a 13+ year battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on January 11, 1949, John was the embodiment of compassion, empathy, and humility. He was by far the least judgmental and most forgiving person many people have ever known. He was a man who always put others before himself, was always encouraging, and was ready to lend a hand to someone in need.

John's generosity was notable, being particularly evident in his devotion to his family. He cherished and treasured his wife, Sheila, during their 50+ years of marriage, and demonstrated his love through his unconditional commitment to care for her and their family. He was a loving father to his children, Abraham Dean, Evie Martinson, and Hilary Bergers, and a respected father-in-law to Maura, Andy, and Jeff. He took great pleasure in his role as a grandfather to Kyle, Sage, Sierra, Kaylee #1, Trista, Josh, Gemma, Addie, and Kaylee #2, AND, great-grandpa to River! His love for his family was surpassed only by his love for his LORD, whom he served with unwavering, devoted, grateful dedication.

John and family lived in various places before settling in Kitsap County where they spent over 33 years. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Occidental College in Los Angeles, he worked in the Veterans Administration for a bit, then went to grad school in San Diego during which time he met Sheila. He soon returned to the government but this time it was as a Revenue Officer with the I.R.S. before being called to the ministry in 1979. He earned his Master’s in Theology from Bethel Seminary in San Diego, CA and entered full time ministry for two years before going back to work for the I.R.S. where he continued to exhibit great professionalism until his retirement. After that, he loved tutoring in Olympic College’s writing lab for 11 years!

John's humble spirit and infectious smile made him a beloved figure in his community. He was a beacon of light to those around him, demonstrating through his lifestyle what it meant to know the LORD personally. He lived by the verse: “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives within me.” (Galatians 2:20) His life testified to the grace and mercy of his LORD, spreading love, and impacting lives wherever he went.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Virginia Dean, and his brothers, Jim and Bill. His 'baby' brother, Greg Dean, survives him, sharing in the sorrow of this immense loss. John's legacy will live on in the hearts of all those he touched with his unique charm, gentle spirit, and unwavering trust in the LORD. His gravestone, which will be shared with Sheila says, FOR THIS, THEY KNOW JESUS CHRIST.

We invite all who knew and loved John to share their memories of him and upload their favorite photos to his online memorial page. This celebration of John's life will provide comfort and joy in the sorrow of his passing and help us keep his memory alive.

There will be a graveside interment service in the early Spring.