Robert Walter Dean

Robert "Bob" Walter Dean, of Beaumont, CA, passed away on January 22, 2019. Bob was born to Robert and Dorothy (Lorenz) Dean in Paterson, New Jersey on July 13, 1946. He grew up in Haledon and North Haledon, New Jersey. Musically gifted, he played the trumpet in the North Haledon Community Band in elementary school, and was first trumpet in his high school band. So adept at playing "Taps", he was often recruited by the surrounding towns to play it at their Memorial Day events. Graduating from Manchester Regional High School in 1964, he went on to attend Paterson State Teachers College, majoring in music. His 1969 marriage to Claudia Dunn lasted nearly 22 years. In 1975, he moved with his family to New Mexico, and later to Palmdale, CA where he worked as a Cartographer before beginning his long, successful career with the FAA. After living briefly in Green Bay, WI, he finally settled in Southern California in 1982. He was a resident of Yucaipa, CA for many years and later, lived in Torrance, CA, where he lovingly cared for his parents. After the passing of his beloved mother and then his father, he moved to San Diego. Bob worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for twenty-six years as a Supervisor, Operations Manager, Staff Specialist, and Pilot Weather Briefer. He also worked as the Air Traffic Manager of San Diego Automated Flight Service Station for Lockheed Martin for two years before retiring and moving to Beaumont in 2006. A lifelong romantic, he was always writing poetry and music. He played guitar and many woodwind instruments. He was a unique individual who saw exceptional beauty in ordinary things. He was a brave adventurer his entire life, camping in the woods under the stars as a child, hiking to the tops of mountains, traveling to Scotland and Greece. He loved to sail the open seas and be at one with nature all he could. He went on many exciting adventures with his great friends, sailing across the ocean, dressing up in full regalia for Buccaneer Days and The Renaissance Faire, and just laughing and reminiscing with each other over the years. An intelligent, independent thinker, Bob succeeded by always going his own way, following his own path. He was his own man. Above all, he was a deeply sensitive man who understood the pain of others. He was always quick to lend anyone a hand, whether friend, family, or stranger. If you were in need, he would help you. This is how he lived his life. He gave generously, and regularly, to multiple charities, including buying nearly a thousand dollars worth of toys every Christmas to donate to Toys For Tots. He was also a proud frequent blood donor. Bob leaves behind his daughters, Deirdre and Rachael; his sister, Donna; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; best friend, Jim; and many, many friends near and far. He will be profoundly missed.