Herbert Wayne Dean, 86, passed away on Dec. 30, in Del Norte, Colo.
Son of Walter and Louise Dean, Herb was born Feb. 28, 1937, in Monte Vista, Colo. He graduated Sargent High School in 1955, and soon after, married the love of his life, Helen Grooms of Center. Together, they raised five children: Edith (Pete), Eric (Amy), Odin (Sharon), Walt (Tara), and Jake.
In his younger years, Herb enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys. They chased elk and deer all over the San Juans, but spent a lot of their time on Trickle Mountain. Herb enjoyed coon hunting as well, and raised his own dogs.
Herb was quite a musician, playing guitar and fiddle most of his life. He spent a large part of his life in Georgia and became involved with local venues that gave him the opportunity to sing and play the old country and bluegrass tunes he loved.
Herb also enjoyed raising a large garden every year.
Herb wasn’t afraid of hard work, and he wore many hats, doing whatever it took to keep food on the table. Some of the work he did consists of: running bees, logging, agriculture and lineman work; he was a police officer for the town of Center, and planted trees for a time in Georgia.
There’s no doubt that Herb’s greatest joy was coaching and watching his boys wrestle. He pushed them hard, but up until the time of his death he talked about their successes and how tough they were. He forgot many things, but still remembered countless stories in great detail about the wrestling and boxing days. When he shared these stories, it always brought a smile to his face. He was very proud of his children.
Herb is survived by his sister Shirley Wilson of Monte Vista, Colo., his children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and many step grand and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, stepmother Eldora, his brother Leon, ex-wife and the mother to his children Helen, grandson Michael Williams, brother-in-law Dale Wilson, son-in-law Pete Colclasure, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Herb was well thought of, and will be greatly missed. Cremation was chosen, and a celebration of life will take place later in the spring.
