Dean Allen Harris

Dean Allen Harris slipped away peacefully in his sleep to be with our Lord on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Dean was born in Flint, Michigan on March 31, 1930, and he grew up in Chesaning, Michigan on a farm. His parents were Mabel and Fred Harris. He attended the University of Michigan for his bachelors and master’s degrees. He received his doctorate degree in audiology at the University of Oklahoma. Dean worked in audiology at Walter Reed Army Hospital, as well as serving as Chief of Audiology at the Veteran’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He founded and directed the graduate program in audiology and was a tenured professor at Southern Methodist University for 17 years. He had a renowned career in the field of Industrial Audiology and was nationally respected as a consultant and trainer by his many clients across the nation. He married his partner in life, Ginger (Lyne) Harris, in 1977. They were blessed to live in Estes Park for the last 25 years.

Dean is survived by his wife and by his children, Kerry (Harris) Keena; Denise (Pulley) Hicks and son-in-law, Rick Hicks (all of Fort Collins, Colorado); and, ‘extra’ son, Jim Kaster (Austin, Texas). His sons Scott and Matt Harris are with him in heaven. One cherished grandson, Caden Harrison Keena (Mansfield, Texas) also survives Dean. As well, Dean is survived by his sister, Jane (Skaryd) Schurr, and brother-in-law, John Schurr; and by his step-brothers Bill (Dora) and Roger (Marie Jo) Broughton. Dean was beloved by his nieces, Susan, Barb and Katie and many other family and friends.

In his lifetime, Dean was a Mason, a Rotarian and an active member of the Episcopal Church. He loved watching University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and Broncos football and enjoyed playing all types of games. His service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16th at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, with burial at Estes Valley Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, the YMCA of the Rockies, or the Alzheimer’s Association by contacting these charities directly or mailed to Allnutt Funeral Home 1302 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517.