Lawrence Dean Obituary

LAWRENCE ALLEN DEAN
September 26, 1929 ˜ January 11, 2026

Lawrence Allen Dean passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Everett, WA, at the age of 96. Born on September 26, 1929, in Yakima, WA, to Henry Ethelbert Dean and Augusta F. (Patten) Dean, he was a man of exceptional mechanical aptitude and a profound work ethic, which propelled him through a distinguished career and a fulfilling life.

Throughout his youth, Larry lived primarily in Yakima, WA, graduating from Yakima High School in 1947. He attended Yakima Valley Community College, served a year in the U.S. Navy, and transferred to the University of Washington as a junior. While at the UW, he met the love of his life, Joanne “Jo” Nettleton. In 1952, Larry graduated from the UW with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology. He and Jo were married at Vancouver, WA, on June 22, 1952.

Larry served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1949 and continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1951. He was also a part of the Air Force ROTC from 1951 to 1952 and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1958, dedicating a decade to military service across various capacities.

Professionally, Larry’s first significant role was with the Illinois State Water Survey, where he studied raindrop formation and was instrumental in adapting WWII radar technology for weather prediction. His career took him to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Los Angeles, where he worked on flood control projects, providing critical insights into flood event management. In 1955, he joined the Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Oregon. In night school, he studied management of complex systems, aiding his work at BPA where he utilized emerging computer technology to forecast stream flow probabilities a testament to his ability to blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His career at BPA spanned 20 years in Portland and 10 years in Vancouver, where he was director of the Division of Power Supply.

After Larry retired in 1985, he and Jo continued to live in Vancouver until moving to Stanwood, WA, in 2024, 55 years after crossing the river from Portland.

Larry’s personal life was rich with adventure and love. He and his wife Jo, with whom he enjoyed 73-1/2 years of marriage, shared a love for the outdoors. They were avid hikers, campers, backpackers, and mountain climbers. Larry served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 102 in Portland for four years while his sons were in Boy Scouts. Later, Larry served as president of Vancouver’s Ptarmigan mountaineering club.

Larry was an accomplished cabinetmaker, and later a prolific oil painter. Retirement years were spent traveling extensively, exploring the natural beauty of North America and beyond. Larry also had a lifelong passion for music. He had played bassoon in school musical groups from the seventh grade through his time at the UW, always using school bassoons. In his retirement, he purchased a bassoon, re-learned to play it, and joined the Clark College orchestra. He also played bassoon in the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Vancouver Pops Orchestra later in life.

An active member of the Clark County Genealogical Society, Larry took great interest in genealogy, continuing the legacy of his mother, a founding member of the society.

Larry is survived by his children, Douglas (Sue) of Spokane, WA, Stephen (Nancy) of Stanwood, WA, and Kathryn Randall of Eugene, OR; five grandchildren, Kim Randall (Keith Miller) of Eugene, Kelly (Devin) Dover of Prineville, Aileen (Ben) Allen of Spokane, Leon (Rebecca) Dean of Minneapolis, and Megan (Anthony) Rice of Spokane; and eight great-grandchildren, Ian, Emmett, Audrey, Oliver, Cooper, Natalie, Elliott, and Luella.

His spouse, Joanne “Jo” Nettleton Dean, preceded him in death, as did his sister, Dorris Pingel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clark County Genealogical Society, honoring Larry’s commitment to genealogy and community history. His legacy will live on through his family, his contributions to professional fields, and his community service, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
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