Dean Ellis Smith

Dean Ellis Smith, 78 of Waterford Michigan, passed away on June 10th 2021. He was born in Gary Indiana on August 8th 1942. Dean graduated from the University of Chicago in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and then earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics from University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1969. Dean then took part in a non-traditional lifestyles in Oregon in the 70’s and 80’s during which time he built a two bedroom log cabin completely by hand. He then returned to studies and earned a PhD in Topology (Theoretical Mathematics) at the University of Oregon in 1987.

Dean moved to the Waterford Michigan area in the fall of 1987 to teach college math and met his future second wife, Peggy Hill at a Jazz Concert. He eventually returned to school to get a Master’s in Biostatistics and finished out his career as a biostatistician for woman’s heart health research team in Ann Arbor, MI

Dean had a passion for jazz, outdoor activities such as walking and kayaking, cribbage, reading science fiction, eating ice cream and traveling. He enjoyed the enigmatic artwork of MC Escher.

Dean is survived by his wife, Peggy, his daughters and 5 grandchildren.