Dean Robert Lewinson

Dean Robert Lewinson, lovingly known as “Uncle Dean” was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on December 12, 1935 to Milton and Dorothy Lewinson. The family including Dean’s older sister Billie Jo and baby brother Harold moved to National City, California where Dean completed elementary and middle school. The family returned to St. Joseph, Missouri where Dean attended Lafayette High school where he was a star football player, yet humbly described himself as a “mediocre” pole vaulter. Dean graduated in 1954. Dean has shared stories of working on his family’s dairy farm with his dad for several years growing corn and milking cows. His dad would wake up and get the coffee going while Dean would go out to the farm and help his dad get squared away for the day before heading off to school. The family eventually moved back to California, residing in Glendale just up the street from his future bride.

Shortly after graduating high school, Uncle Dean joined the United States Navy where he served four years during the Korean War. He was stationed in San Diego where his job was an electrician on the ship. He also directed, coordinated, and planned maintenance of heavy construction equipment at two sites while in Saudi Arabia. Uncle Dean earned certificates of active participation for the Operation WIGWAM underwater atomic test of 1955, as well as Operation REDWING test series of atomic weapons and devices at the Pacific proving grounds from 1955-1956. After serving his time on active duty, Dean spent four years in the reserves. Uncle Dean was very patriotic and loyal to his country. He had a fondness for the bald eagle and had a good sized collection of various types of them.

After being honorably discharged from the reserves, Uncle Dean entered the construction world where he held jobs as maintenance foreman, equipment mechanic, and crane operator. Dean earned an Associate of Arts degree in Diesel Mechanics from Los Angeles Trade Technical College. He also held a teaching credential for Construction Equipment, was a graduate of the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship program, and even held a Real Estate Sales Licence.

On July 31, 1983 Dean married the love of his life Mary Kathryn Quinn whom he remained devoted to until her passing in June of 2014. Together, along with Dean’s stepson Roy, the small family loved to spend time in Paradise, California where Dean’s parents retired and lived until their passing. They enjoyed visiting Solvang and other beautiful vacation spots. In 1986, Dean’s wife Mary Kathryn built Quinn Manor, a 17 unit apartment complex in which they managed together, ultimately building many lasting friendships throughout the years. Uncle Dean was so kind and compassionate to his mother-in-law, Aggie, whom he helped care for when she developed Alzheimer’s.

Uncle Dean enjoyed photography, and good old country music, especially Johnny Cash and June Carter. A true man’s man, he was also a great country line dancer. Uncle Dean liked to play with his appearance, always donning a different type of mustache or beard. Dean loved his prized cane collection, and was especially fond of the one he received from a marine friend who was stationed in Thailand.

Uncle Dean made friends wherever he went from waitresses and busboys to the phone guy at the corner. Everyone loved Dean and his charming, charismatic personality. Uncle Dean was kind, generous, and loved to pull your chain. He loved dogs and spoke about his favorite dog he had when he was younger. The dog was named Mickey and he would carry her around in army fatigues. Uncle Dean enjoyed watching football, remaining loyal to his beloved Kansas City Chiefs.

Uncle Dean was preceded in death by his parents Milton and Dorothy, sister Billie Jo, brother Harold, and dear wife Mary Kathryn. Uncle Dean was baptized in 1998 and he knew the Lord. In his final weeks Uncle Dean reminisced about his wife and family whom he missed dearly. God willing he is now at peace and reunited with his departed loved ones. The man, the myth, the legend, Uncle Dean is gone, but will never be forgotten.