Dean with NuStar employees celebrating Go Red for Heart Health in 2019.

Dean celebrating Heart Health in 2018 at NuStar

I want to express my condolences to all the friends and family during this loss. I feel privileged to have spent a number of years working with Dean and will truly miss his sense of humor and quick wit. May God Bless you all during this season.

Joe Hamilton - NuStar

I've been struggling to find the right words to say to you, not sure if there are any but here goes.  You didn't need to be my dad but you were in every sense of the word and in my heart.  You never made me feel like your step-daughter, I was always one of your daughters, just took a little longer to meet.  I know that I never called you dad but I pray that you know and that I showed you enough how much you mean to me and how much I love you.  I'm going to miss those amazing bear hugs and all the advice and talks we've had.  I promise to you that we'll be ok and we'll take care of mama.  I love you so much Dad.

Dean and I met as junior high school students in Weslaco, Texas.  During the last decade, I was in awe of his conviction, courage, joy and hope. He had a sense of both purpose and fun as he prioritized needs of family and friends above his own. He did not lack time to listen as he offered support and shared wisdom.

Dean shared with me that he had given his life and its challenges to the Lord. He said he was at peace with whatever befell because he was in the Lord's Hands. He knew he was saved. Dean fiercely loved Mary and wanted to protect her and make certain she would be okay after he left this earth. Dean fiercely loved his mother, sisters, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom should be comforted knowing of his unconditional love. He was proud of his family.

When not engaged in intense conversations, we discussed electric glass cooktops; painting old kitchen cabinets; painting old doors; organizing garages; gardening; and our dogs.

We may weep because of Dean's departure; yet, loved ones on the "other side" cheered as he traveled toward them. Our tears will not mar the happy memories.

Dean was a Good and Faithful Servant of his Lord and Savior. He was given wings to fly . . . See you later, Dean . . .We miss you.

To Dean's family, I send my love and condolences.

Dean and I were responsible for converting the SCADA and communication on the Houston pipeline. Spent months working side by side with this wonderful and skillful man. One event that makes me laugh to this day. Dean and I had finished a very long day and we were getting ready to go to dinner. He suggested a drink before dinner. I went to his room and we enjoyed a Crown Royal. He was sitting in a rounded bamboo chair. Us discussing the days events. He decided to lean back on back legs of the flimsy bamboo chair legs. As Dean ,back then wasn’t a small man, the legs collapsed and now he was completely trapped within this bamboo jail. His arms were trapped inside the arms of this bamboo restriction. He was rolling on the hotel floor asking and demanding my assistance. I was laughing so hard it seemed like hours before I could render assistance. My best SCADA comm Bud so many stories. God knows I’ll miss ya. 
David

Dean was a great person to work with and he along with Larry and myself made a great team. Dean was always very conscientious of  the things he took care of so I never had to worry about whatever he tackled. And better yet, he was a great person and fun to work with! Many of us are going to miss him! The “bear” has graduated!! It was great to be able to visit with him last month and talk and laugh over old times!!  We got to talk a little shop.   Best wishes to Mary and his family. 
Walter Mell

I first met Dean in 8th grade.   He always was friendly and kind with a warm smile his entire life (from the pictures). I've seen him more in the past few years at school reunions and have always enjoyed visiting with him and Mary.  I know he will be greatly missed by many.  My sympathy, love and prayers goes out to all of his family.

Daddy’s hands. My daddy’s hands helped me through all the good and bad in life.  He clapped for me when  I did good and lifted me up when I fell. But his hugs, his hugs were the best in the world. His hugs could help you make it through any storm. The love I will always have for my daddy is like no other. He was my rock, my sounding board, and one of my best friends. We have been through a lot together and carried each other through. I have NO clue how I will make it through life without you, but I promise you I will continue to try and make you proud every single day until I am with you again.  I love you daddy. I miss you dearly. ❤️❤️🙏🏻❤️❤️
 -Pitty Pat 

I grew up with “Dino” out on mile 10 in Weslaco.  We did everything two country boys enjoyed…fished, played ball , shot firecrackers and swam in the irrigation canals. Lots of good memories my friend! I will miss your text and emails. We laughed a lot together. Gone  too soon…my condolences to your family. 

Papa Dean was always full of love advice and just supportive general chatter I will always remember your smiling face and genuine laughter as I at every age rush to hug you. You were the kind of man who’s presence just filled the room ,the kind that drew everyone nearer. You will always be loved and forever remembered I will share my memories of your love with everyone  I can so that you may live on forever 

Papa Dean always put a smile on my face . He was so selfless and always cared about his family no matter how sick or how tired he was he made sure to check on everyone. This man was my hero and I love him with my whole entire heart. It will be hard to not have his bear hugs every time I was down about something. I will miss his words of him being proud of me and him telling me my smile makes his days better I will miss you papa Dean and I will always remember your smile that brightens up any dark space . 

Dean Burkett - one of our NuStar Star Performers

Papa Dean was like a second dad.  He was a character and could always make you laugh.  He was also a great dancer.  He was always out numbered with all the ladies in his life.  He loved and protected them to the end.  He was a strong man with great convictions.  He leaves behind so many that will truly miss him.  May God Bless you and keep you.  Not goodbye, just until we meet again.

Dean was a wonderful coworker and friend.  He will be dearly missed by all of his NuStar family.

We have many wonderful memories that we shared with Dean on Kelly Drive. God Bless you Dean. You will be missed.

Stanley & Susan Laskowski

I only met him one time. That was at Patti and Mark's wedding.  I remember him dancing with Patti. I know she was a daddy's girl. My condolences to you and your family!!

Worked with Dean at Nustar for several years.  He was one of the Good ones!  He will be missed. 
Condolences to the family.
              Rodney Nelson

OBITUARY

Harrel "Dean" Burkett

July 17, 1950 – February 1, 2022

Rosewood Funeral Chapel

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