Dean Dietrich, 71, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, died on Monday, February 21, 2011 at his home, in the arms of his family he loved so dearly.
Dean was born, in Yakima, Washington on June 1, 1939 the son of parents Rudolph John and Iva Eleanor (Rowland) Dietrich. When he was 2 years old, Dean and his family moved to Skagit County where his family owned and operated the JM Rowland Cedar Poles & Piling Company.
He graduated from Auburn Adventist Academy in 1957 and Walla Walla University with a degree in Chemistry in 1961. He attended Loma Linda University, graduating with his degree in medicine in 1965, before moving to Portland, Oregon where he completed his internship at Portland Adventist Hospital.
From 1966 to 1968, Dean served as a Naval Officer in the Public Health Service in Browning, Montana. Dean spent nearly 2 years as a physician in the Adventist Mission hospital in Libya, the first of many health care missions he served abroad. Dean returned home to Skagit County in 1969 where he practiced medicine for nearly 40 years, serving the community he cherished.
Dean, along with his wife Lois, raised their three children in Sedro-Woolley. He was actively engaged in his church and school communities, serving on many committees and boards, at North Cascade Adventist Church, Skagit Adventist Academy, Auburn Adventist Academy, and Walla Walla University.
Dean loved the outdoors, hiking, hunting and fishing, but cherished most of all, the time he spent with his family and friends. We long for the day when we will meet him in Heaven at the feet of the Lord he loved so very much.
He is survived by his beautiful wife of 48 years, Lois, at the family home; his sister, Judy Whitehouse and husband Gerald of Loma Linda, CA; his daughter, Tami Erwin and husband Darrell of Dana Point, CA; son, Dr. Greg Dietrich and wife Sharon of Lewiston, Idaho and youngest daughter, Susie Mayhew and her husband James of Battleground, WA; seven precious grandchildren, Jacqueline, Paul, Alex, Coleman, Alyssa, Grady and Jamie, six Thorn brothers and their families, his many “favorite” nieces and nephews and so many extended family and friends from around the globe.
Internment will take place at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A Celebration of Life in Dean’s honor will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the North Cascade Seventh Day Adventist Church, 800 Peacock Lane, Burlington, WA 98233. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skagit Adventist Academy Dr. Dean Dietrich memorial fund, 530 North Section, Burlington, WA 98233. For those who wish to pay respects to Dr. Dietrich, visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel on Thursday and Friday, February 24th & 25th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Services are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Dean and sign the online guest book at www.lemleychapel.com.
My Friend, Doctor and fellow River and Fishing enthusiast. I will
miss your guided insights and support of my Rafting Adventures.
Dear Dean, We will miss your ready smile and your willingness to enjoy everyone you came in contact with. Jesus love was apparent in all you did. Lois, may you feel the arms of our Lord surrounding you at this sad time and may we keep our eyes on the glad reunion soon to come.
Dear Lois and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We knew you and your family mainly from the Libby family reunions. But several times I remember talking with Dean about his Auburn days and his memories of my brother’s and other friends’ antics there. I’m glad we had those few opportunities to become acquainted and hope you will still come to reunions. We too, are looking forward to heaven and the reunion there with all those we miss so much now.
Love and prayers,
Gwen and Daryl Libby
Dear Tami and Family,
In your time of sorrow, my God sustain and comfort you. With deepest sympathy
Hold onto God and God will hold onto you.
Pat Grossnickle (VZW)
Tami Erwin and family,
Although I did not know Mr. Dietrich personally, I was touched by the eulogy of his life. My contact with your family is through knowing Tami for many years and her life of dedication, hard work, faith and family is a testament to the legacy her father left her. I applaud his life through her!
My prayers and thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
I always loved it when Dean came thru Dillingham on one of his adventures. He never wanted to impose but he never could.. We will miss him. Jack and Cindy Libby
Hey family,
Just want you to know I’m with you in grieving too, and in remembering Dean and what a great guy he was. As I read all these comments, I realize he was consistently living out this faith, helping people, spreading kindness and love all around. He would be uncomfortable to hear me put it that way, being humble and manly and all, but it’s true. He had a big heart, full of compassion, adventure and humor. He was generous and loyal and selfless. He was one of the hardest working men I know, and I know a lot of hard-working people. Thinking of how he lived inspires me to be a better father and husband, to think less of myself and more of others. To help out more. My life is better because I knew Dean. I love you all and I’m sorry for your loss.
Troy
Tami and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone in the family during your time of loss. As I read through all of the posts on this site I felt the love shared by so many with your Father. What an amazing gift to you all to have such a man in your lives.
He must have been special to have raised such a wonderful daughter, who shows so much love and compassion in all she does.
Hugs and Love,
Bonnie
Dear Lois,
Thank you for opening your home to me many years ago when I was considering a change in career. Dean played a very big part in helping me decide to persue medicine; seeing the relationship he had with patients and the impact he had on people was inspiring. Much love to you and your family.
Sonya Daria
Lois and Family:
I just wanted to let you know what a huge impact Dr. Dietrich had on my life. Aside from supposedly dropping me on my head when I was born…He was one of the people who most influenced me in making a decision to follow Christ 18 years ago. Molly and I will be praying for God’s Peace in your lives durring this difficult time.
God Bless,
Troy
Lois and Family,
We have always been and are still eternally grateful to Dean for saving our 11 month old daughter’s life with his swift and accurate diagnosis. She celebrated her 37th birthday yesterday and were it not for Dean, we would not have known the joys of raising her and in turn cherishing the 4 grandchildren she has given us. He took care of us in our time of need then and in all the years that followed. We share your sorrow and you are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Loyd & Joan Frazier
We are so glad you chose to come to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. It gave us a great opportunity to see and visit with both of you the short time you were here. But what a blow when we learned Dean lived only a week longer after returning home. What a wonderful day it will be, when we will join with our loved ones who have gone before us, in heaven where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow and the former things shall be washed away. In Christian Love, Sandy and Denny Leavelle (LLU Class of 1965)
Lois and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Dr, Dietrich helped us so much. We will miss him,
Dear Lois and Family,
What a wonderful Guy and great friend our Dr Dean was. We mourn with you and pray for you, but most of all we look forward to the earth and Dean’s body made new where there will be no more sickness and suffering, but only love and joy. There we will all rejoice with our loving Saviour, our families, friends and fellow believers.
Love, Helmut and Lillian
Family of Deans, We’re feeling a great loss about our friend and walking compadre at our family reunions. He loved adventure and was so interesting with stories and questions about another possible trip he was planning. We probably knew him best with a king salmon on the end of his line in Alaska! May you fell the comfort from our Christ-centered hope! Love you all, Steve @ Chris Libby
To our dear Friend Lois and family.
It is with tears in our eyes and hearts that we send you this message of sympathy and love to all of you. We know that Dean will be missed by you all so much as well as by his many friends. In our family we always say, “meet me under the mango tree” but meeting at Jesus feet is even better. We will see you there dear friend.
Love, thought, and many prayers,
“We Care”
Bob and Beth Henderson
We have only known Dean for a few years, but what a wonderful, friendly man. He led by example in his family and in the community, with results most of us don’t even dream of. We look forward to deepening our friendship when we meet again in heaven. Our prayers are with you all as you mourn this terrible loss.
Kevin and Karen Molander
As one of Dr. Dietrich’s earliest Skagit County patients since 1970, he always made me feel as though my family was somehow special — but I suspect he made all of his patients feel that way! At every visit, he dispensed kindness and genuine interest along with his medical advice. I am thankful for his caring & safe delivery of our 3 daughters and for tending to our family’s health needs for so many years, and for always asking about “the little redhead” (my firstborn) even after she was grown and had moved out of the area. It is with sadness that we acknowledge his passing from this earth, yet with gratitude that he lives for eternity in heaven where there is no suffering. May his family find peace and comfort in God’s mercy.
So sad to hear of Deans passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Cameron Libby & Family
Anchorage, AK
We will truly miss Dean. The fun times we had harassing each other and the times we spent together camping, fishing, or just hanging out will be cherished forever. He was one unique person. We am looking forward to the day when we can meet again and pick up where we left off.
Love,
Rose & LeRoy
Dear Lois and family, Very sorry to read about Dean, he and I came work at United about the same time , we had lots of talks and I always loved to talk with him , enjoyed the quiet calmness and confidence he had with out being egotistic, his genuine beliefs must of lead to that being his personality.. When he bought that motorcycle to ride over to ER, I could’nt believe it, asked him why ?? You need to know how dangerous those things are,.. doesn’t seem like he had it long.. I am tho above all so very sorry his life ended .. He was a true gentleman, and you can all be so proud of the man he was.. I am glad I knew him , got to see him at the one UGH reunion I went to , and I could see the disease had taken its toll at that time.. god bless you all, Bobbi
Dear Lois,
We are so saddened by the loss of Dean. I knew him all my years growing up as my family physician, Dr. Dietrich, and later as Dean. He was always a humble servent with a sharp mind. He was a friend to anyone who had the privilege to know him. He befriended my parents through his kindness as their physician and gave of himself until the very end of their lives. He made a point to see my Mom, at my home, and pray for her one last time, as did you Lois. You two were an amazing team and God used you to bless those around you. We are sad that our time with Dean was cut shorter then we would have liked but we have the reassurance that we will see him again one day. I look forward to your reuniuting with your sweet heart.
Prayers are with you Lois and your family.
Larry and Shannon Halls
Dear Tami, Darrell and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family during your time of loss. We read through all of the posts on this site and felt the love shared by so many with your Father. What an amazing gift to you all to have such a man in your lives.
God Bless,
Chris and Kelly
Our family doctor, Dr. Dean,
Our most sincere thanks for the years rendered to my family concerning many family issues and medical care given to our family of five.
You will be dearly missed by all us that knew you and you helped us for many years. A true caring doctor!
Bob & Joy Frank
daughters Bobi & Amy
and son Mark
Greg and Sharon,
We were shocked when we heard about your Dad. You are our friends and we have so many fabulous memories with you. Our hearts ache for you and your family. There aren’t words we can say that will take your pain away. Just know that we love you and are joining you and others in saying “Even so come Lord Jesus!”
Love,
Todd and Marsharee Wilkens
Dear Suzie and family~
We are so saddened by your loss suzie. Know that we hold you and your family up in our prayers during this difficult time. Mom wants you to know that we love you suzie and our hearts our breaking for you,james & the children. We want to tell you if you need anything please give us a call and we will be there to help with whatever you need us to do. Your dad is in heaven looking down on your family smiling. Saying it’s going to be a great day. Suzie remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Love you sweet Suzie!
Love,
Earl, Diana & Heather Bliss
Vancouver, Wa
We are so saddened by your loss suzie!!! Know that we are praying for you and your family in this difficult time. Mom was very upset suzie for hearing of your dads passing. She wants you to know that she loves you very much and she is very sad for you. Mom knows you loved your dad so much!! When you get a chance please give us a call so we can get together and if you need anything please call on us and we will help out in anyway. Take care suzie and family. Remember we love you and our prayers our with you!
Love,
Earl,Diana&Heather Bliss
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Dietrich’s passing. I was a patient of his on and off and always enjoyed my conversations with him even after his “retirement.” Somehow we always ended up discussing for several minutes planning and building in Sedro-Woolley and other communities. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, his faith community, and the clinic community.
Tami and Family,
As you go through this time of sorrow, I know you will find time to focus on the wonderful man your Father has been to you. I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but I know he must have been extraordinary to have raised such a wonderful daughter.
Rose, the boys and I will keep you in our thoughts.
God Bless,
The Leftridge Family
Dear Lois,
We are saddened with the news of Dean’s passing. May God comfort you in this difficult time. Praise God that the family could be there. Even through our deepest trials we can see God’s mercy.
Our prayer the last few days has been, “Lord, please teach us how to hasten your coming. You said that we are to hasten your coming. Please teach us how.”
Love and prayers,
Brian and Duang Wilson
Thailand
In the early 70s we were dairying in the Brush Prairie area living in a old farm house, Dean and family were in the area and were coming to our house to visit not sure if it was to see us or the cows, I don’t remember if I had meet them before this or not, so was a bit nervous but there was no need to be.He came in gave a hug and started chatting about the macrame I was working on. I will miss you Dean, your sense of humor,warm smile your caring attitude,Looking forward to our last and forever family reunion in heaven.
Lois and family, my heart goes out to all of you and pray for some peace at this difficult time
Susie,you hold a special place in my heart,hugs to you.
Love to All of You
Norm and Linda
We are so very sorry for your great loss. We know how much it hurts but thankfully resurrection is coming soon. You will be in our hearts and in our prayers through these coming
Dear Dean, Your ready laugh and avid interest in the great outdoors especially fishing and hunting will be remembered! I loved your trips to Alaska for fishing and finally having you at our cabin home where your kids spent summers with us!
You were always gracious in not wanting to impose, but loved to call and talk about places to go and accomodations and getting together on those trips.
And there was your medical expertise that you were always willing to share. I loved how you gave caring advice to ‘family members’ even from far away.
And you travelled far to attend family reunions.
The love of your family for you is evidence of the godly father, husband and household leader you were.
We have this HOPE…Praise God..Looking forward to seeing you again.
I’m so sorry for the loss of a husband, dad, and grandpa. I know how much that, I wish that, I want to be there to see you guys, but my parent are coming up for the weekend to see everyone. Keep you in my pray for this weekend. I love you both very much.. God bless. Jesus will be here real soon..
Dear Lois and Family –
We sorrow with you for the loss of Dean. He has been such a giant in our church and school community, so adept at accomplishing great things with his quiet, understated leadership. Les and I really feel that we stand on the shoulders of giants – men such as Dean and Dennis – who have led the way in charting a progressive course for our church and school. We feel his loss not only as a leader, but as a dear family friend, as well. You are all in our prayers.
Love,
Kaarsten
Oh Uncle Dean,
Spent my day looking at pictures of your life. It’s true, “Picture are worth a thousand words.” You lived your life so well! It was so full of family, friends, adventure and beautiful scenery. I will truely miss you.
With love, and prayers for Lois, Susie, Greg and Tami,
LONI
I feel priviledged to have worked for and with Dr Dietrich. He was a very special man. I feel blessed to have had him touch my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Lois and his family. He will be truley missed.
Words can never express how much I will miss you, but wow, am I ever lucky to have been your little girl. You were a giant of a man, who touched so many people’s lives. You lived a life of such character, always giving and never complaining. Looking forward to meeting together as a family at the feet of Jesus (don’t be late). I love you daddy!
Today, we listened to 2 songs that provide such peace and promise:
Jeremy Camp’s, There will be a Day & I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe
My dearest Dean
I will love you and miss you forever, but know you will always live in my heart. Looking forward to our next date, at Jesus’ feet, with our children. In the meantime, I will cherish all the memories of the amazing and wonderful things we experienced in our 53 years together.
Always and forever, loving yours
Lois
Lois and Family:
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Dietrich. He always held a special place in our hearts as he was the one who first suspected something seriously wrong with our middle daughter Brianna. At age 3 she was diagnosed with Acute Lympocytic Leukemia. She was not feeling well and we had been in and out of the office several time over the week. Still not feeling well, he graciously met us at the office even though it was Memorial Day weekend. Later that day we were on our way to Children’s Hospital for more testing and the diagnosis. His concern for her followed while we spent time at Children’s, calling us several times for updates on her condition (this was before cell phones, so it took some effort) He always asked us how we were doing as well. We are happy to say that Briannia is now 25 years old and just married last July. Without his care and concern our ending might have been very different. We hold you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Greg and Cheryl Brue
Sedro-Woolley