Dean Ratliff

Roy Dean Ratliff, known to all as Dean, passed away on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his closest family. Born on December 5, 1967, in Seattle, Washington. Dean lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to the people and passions that defined him.

Dean was a proud graduate of Ingraham High School, class of 1986. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in 1990 and a master’s degree in international business from Seattle University in 1996.

He was the beloved high school sweetheart and husband of Mari, his partner in life for nearly 32 years, and a devoted father to Elizabeth, Amalie, and Andrew. Family was always at the heart of Dean’s life, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved most.

Dean adored his children with a depth of love that words could never fully express. He was endlessly proud of each of them and found true joy in being their father. Whether cheering them on at events, celebrating their achievements, or exploring the world together, Dean created lasting memories filled with travel, laughter, and shared experiences. His presence in their lives was constant and joyful. He especially cherished one-on-one time with each of his children, thoughtfully planning individual trips to create unforgettable moments. He traveled to Europe with Elizabeth, exploring its rich history and culture. With Amalie, he journeyed to Oceania, sharing in its natural beauty and vibrant spirit. Andrew’s adventure took them through Europe by way of Dubai—a unique and meaningful experience for them both.

Dean made a lasting impact in the world of gymnastics. He was involved in high school gymnastics throughout Washington state, USA Gymnastics, and served as a respected collegiate judge across the country. His leadership, integrity, and passion earned him wide admiration in the gymnastics community.

Over the years, Dean received many honors for his dedication, including:

· USAG/NAWGJ Judge of the Year (1994)

· Washington Official of the Year (1999)

· NFHS Official of the Year (2000)

· WSGCA Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)

· WOA Hall of Fame Inductee (2025)

Outside of gymnastics, Dean was a curious traveler, a passionate collector of coins and stamps, and a fan of the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Kraken. A lifelong admirer of the Olympic Games, Dean was fortunate to attend the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. He was also able to attend FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, all experiences that inspired and enriched his passion for sports. Dean was also known for his sharp wit and infectious sense of humor, bringing joy and levity wherever he went. He had a love for British history and his Scottish heritage, interests he pursued with genuine enthusiasm. In 2019, he proudly obtained British citizenship through his mother’s bloodline, further honoring his family’s heritage.

Dean is survived by his loving wife, Mari Ratliff (née Tierney); his cherished children, Elizabeth Owings (Jackson), Amalie Ratliff, and Andrew Ratliff; his mother, Linda Nelson, and stepfather, Wayne Nelson; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Chris Marciniec; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy A. Ratliff; his grandparents, Oden and Darlene Ratliff and Andrew and Elizabeth Martin; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Tierney.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on September 13th 1pm-4pm at Lake Ballinger Center 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. Friends and family will gather to honor his legacy, share memories, and celebrate the incredible man he was.