the Obituary of Mark Dean

Former Yreka Chamber of Commerce Director, and advocate for Veterans, Mark Dean passed away July 5, surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandson, brother and sister-in-law. Always putting his family first, Mark was a beloved father, husband, grandpa, brother, and a faithful friend to many who will be greatly missed.

Mark was born in Santa Ana, California, to Frank and Barbara Dean. He was raised in Newport Beach, where he enjoyed summers at the beach, fishing, water skiing, and travelling throughout Baja California and Mexico. He loved playing football for Newport Harbor High School, except for the broken legs!

In 1968, the deadliest year of the Vietnam War, Mark enlisted in the Navy. Shortly after boot camp he was deployed on the USS Aludra conducting multiple combat supply replenishments throughout Vietnam and the Tonkin Gulf. 1969 brought his second tour which included missions on “Mike” boats to Navy and Marine units in the field. At Camp Pendelton his dental training included qualification as a corpsman, better known as “Doc”. He volunteered to assist training “green” Marines for combat.

Mark’s third tour to Vietnam in 1971 was aboard the legendary aircraft carrier USS Midway. To help bring his brothers home, he volunteered for combat recovery and for the identification of wounded and deceased Marines.

Before deployment Mark met the love of his life, Suzy. He proposed, and they married one week after his discharge in 1972. They made their home in Costa Mesa. He completed an A.A. at Orange Coast College, and they started their family with the birth of their first daughter, Sarah, in 1977. In 1978 they moved to a family ranch in Montague where Mark worked the land for three years. With the birth of their daughter Jessica the family moved to historic Yreka in 1980.

Working in the California oil fields for two years required long separations from his young family, so he resigned himself to working nights at Gil’s Markets. He learned the Chamber of Commerce was seeking a new director and applied. Thus began a twenty-four-year career serving the city and citizens of Yreka.

He guided the Chamber as it grew from a small cabin on Main Street to a prominent store front which welcomed travelers, promoted city businesses, tourism, and attracted the community to stop in and visit the soda fountain.

Mark’s varied skills and creativity ranged from resurrecting YCTV, Yreka’s Cable program, to establishing the Economic Council program of Siskiyou County. From the beginning of Mark’s tenure, four-term Mayor Rory McNiel witnessed the revitalization of Yreka’s commerce and community. Remembering Mark’s service, McNiel said “He was a smart leader who surrounded himself with good people. He was very persuasive to get things done. Brutally honest and with a great sense of humor, he deflected praise to others. He was the top of the pyramid under which the city prospered.”

Mark was focused on fostering the city businesses while bringing in new business to Yreka, including Edward Jones and Walmart. He revitalized established community events like the Yreka daytime Christmas parade which became the largest in the region. He launched new events too–Cruise Night, Sock Hop, Sidewalk Sales (featuring Cow Pie Bingo), Car Shows, and the annual Christmas Dinner Dances that regularly sold out, to name a few.

Mark worked with Congressman Herger to install the freeway business and services signs outside of town. With the congressman he persuaded the governor to design an attractive “Welcome to California” by including the California poppy.

Coming from a family background in law enforcement, Mark also advocated for Yreka police and Siskiyou County Sheriffs. He managed two successful electoral campaigns for Sheriff Rick Riggins.

Mark also served the Yreka business community as Rotary Club President and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. As a faithful Mason, Mark attained the Third-Degree Master Mason and 33rd degree Scottish Rite who was committed to his lodge and its activities. He was honored with the Hiram Award, the highest recognition for a lay person of the 33rd degree. He was a beloved member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the American Legion.

Mark served longer than any other Chamber of Commerce Director in California. It is no wonder that he was named Yreka Citizen of the Year in 2007, and that November 17 has been proclaimed “Mark Dean Day.”

His experience in the Navy and as a Marine corpsman as a young man led to his greatest passion later in life: promoting the care, support, and honor of veterans. He shared his leadership skills as the Veterans Service Representative of the Siskiyou County Sheriffs’ Department, chaired the Siskiyou County Veterans Leadership Council, and the Fallen Heroes Memorial Project (Weed), and also served as Adjutant to the Commander of the Siskiyou Detachment of the Marine Corps League and was active in their Honor Guard.

Mark loved to ride his Harley with his buddies and took many rides across the country including Alaska. Mark and Mike Murphy partnered in the “Run to the Wall “ride from California to D.C. to honor veterans and remember those killed or missing in action.

Mark dreamt of a Veteran’s section in the Evergreen Cemetery. Under his leadership and with his “get ’er done” attitude, his dream was realized in the acquisition of the plots, in the design, implementation, upkeep and recent landscaping. It is sweet and fitting that this is where he will be laid to rest with his compatriots in arms.

Mark was a man’s man with a heart of gold who was deeply devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was their hero, always present to come to their aid and created wonderful memories that will be with them forever. He modeled the hallowed words, “Duty, Honor, Courage” in his love for family and service to his country and community where he holds deep respect and honor.

Mark leaves behind his wife, Suzy; daughters Sarah (Mike), and Jessica (Ben); grandchildren Drew, Jenna, Maddison and Olivia; brother, Scott (Cynthia).

Graveside Service will be Sunday July 14, 11.00 a.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery, Yreka.

Celebration of Life, eulogies, and a luncheon will follow at the Yreka Elks Lodge at Noon.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to the Siskiyou County Veterans Commission, c/o Mike Murphy, 5007 Indian Island Dr., Weed CA 96094, or the Veterans program of your choice.

source: Girdner Funeral Chapel

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