W Dean Kirkland

On Friday, May 3, 2019 Dean Kirkland passed peacefully with his family at his side.

Dean will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Beverly, his children Mary Ann (Mike) Bayne, Jeff (Kathie), Randy (Tina), 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and his sister, Gayle (Joe) Richards.

Dean was born October 2, 1942 in Hugo, Oklahoma to Wilbur and Louise Kirkland. When he was 3 months old, his family moved to Casa Grande, Arizona. He graduated from Casa Grande Union high School in 1960.

He attended Grand Canyon College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1965. While teaching in the Glendale Elementary School District, Dean continued his education, earning his Master’s degree from Arizona State University. Dean was highly respected and admired by his peers as shown by his nomination in 1978 for State Teacher of the Year. He is fondly remembered by his former students as a patient teacher with a generous spirit. Following his retirement from teaching after 33 years, Dean worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for 10 years.

Dean was an avid ASU sports fan and watched many games in person and on television. He enjoyed horse racing and shared the yearly tradition of watching and wagering on the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont with Jeff and Mary Ann. He coached his fantasy football team, Dean’s Devils, every year and made it to the finals in 2018.

Dean was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1998 at a time when not many cookbooks were available with gluten free recipes. He spent many hours in search of ingredients and gluten free options that also tasted good. He loved cooking and finding interesting ways to incorporate his dietary restrictions into delicious meals. Although some recipes were not successful, he kept trying new things and shared what he learned along the way.

He was especially proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and hearing about what was going on in their lives. There was never a negative word, only encouragement and support.

A Celebration of Life Service in memory of Dean will be held Friday May 31, 2019, at 1:00p.m. at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd. Surprise Az