In sixth grade I was asked to interview a family member and do a presentation of their life. I chose to present the life of my grandpa Dean. Then I overlooked just how amazing my Grandpa was. He was always so amazing, but I didn't pay attention to just how wonderful he was. As I grew I opened my eyes, and as I got to know more about his life I was amazed. Years ago I took Kevan to meet my grandparents. Kevan loved to meet Grandpa and hear his stories all about sports, and BYU. We played games, we always played games with grandpa. He loved to win! Kevan and Grandma beat Grandpa and me at Sequence. Grandpa just smiled and said, "I want a rematch!" What a character he was! Months ago I took the girls to meet their Great-grandparents. Zariah loved grandpa! He had to use a walker then, but he was lively as ever! Zariah would smile when he got up to walk and she would say with a giggle, "mama, what's grandpa doin'?" He made Zariah laugh, and of course me to. We played games, we always played games with grandpa! Grandpa won rummicube. We had such a good time, as always!
Weeks ago I heard grandpa wasn't doing so well, so Mom and I went to see him. I said, "How are you doing?"
he said, "not good."
I replied "well you look good!"
Quickly as can be he said, "no, I'm just good looking!"
He was good looking! He made Zariah laugh, and of course me to. We played games, I always played games with grandpa! I enjoyed sharing this time with my Grandpa. Later in that trip he asked who was kissing Zariah, we looked, and no one was there. He said that someone was kissing Zariah on the cheek. Zariah giggled, and wiped her cheek.
I know that someone was there, there for us, there for grandpa. Grandpa touched my heart throughout my life, and expecially the last time I got to see him. I'm so grateful I got to spend some time with my Grandpa, and I'm glad that my girls got to meet him to.
I will forever love and miss you grandpa. Thank you for the laughs, the smiles and love you gave to me. Thank you for the spirit and example you have been, and will always be. I am so thankful for the gospel and knowing that there are angels watching over us, and I know that you will be watching over us now, and I know that I will see you again someday.
Leo L. Dean passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2009, at the age of 88. He was born November 17, 1920, in American Fork, Utah, to Leonard Dean and Estella Jensen. Leo married Margie Lois Ferrin. They had three children and were later divorced. Leo married Magdalene Thornton Morrill, the mother of seven young children, March 27, 1965, in Farmington, Utah, and they had two sons.
Leo learned to work hard at a young age and loved any and every game that could be played. He enjoyed basketball, softball, golf and playing games with his children and grandchildren. Even when his heart was weak, he was always up for a game of cards or Sequence.
He loved music. Leo played the violin, drums, and loved to sing. In high school he was involved in the band, choirs and was a favorite in musicals in high school and college. He attended Brigham Young University and LDS Business College studying accounting. Leo served in the Navy in World War II, and in the United States Naval Reserves from 1944-1946. For much of his life he worked as a business manager in the furniture industry. When he "retired" he worked for the Boulevard in St. George. Leo and Magdalene enjoyed working at the LDS Temple in St. George, he also loved to travel, fish and eat at quality restaurants.
He is survived by his wife, Magdalene Thornton Morrill Dean of St. George, UT; children, Margie Dean (Vern) Firth of Taylorsville, UT, Keith Dean of La Mesa, CA, Magdalene "Mickie" Morrill (Richard) Olsen of Independence, MO, Ann Marie Morrill (Ralph) McAffee of Cedar City, UT, Genevieve Morrill (Scott) Atkin of Cedar City, UT, JoLynn Morrill (Steve) Black of New Harmony, UT, Jean Morrill (Scott) Stephens of Couer d'Alene, ID, Richard (Kathy) Morrill of Hilsborough, OR, Alan Dean of St. George, UT, and Brent (Brenda) Dean of Seattle, WA. Leo has 46 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by sons, Ferrin Dean and David Grant Morrill.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 7, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel, St. George, UT. Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will take place in the Tonaquint Cemetery.
