Michael Wayne Dean

Michael (Mike) W. Dean of Fort Collins, Colorado died peacefully in the early morning hours of May 30, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born in Ottawa, Kansas to John Gillette Dean and Mary Louise (Lou) Melcher Dean. His father was serving overseas in the military at the time of his birth so Lou took Mike to Falls Church, Virginia to live with his sister Jessie’s family until John was released from his duties a few months later. The family then moved to Ohio, where John worked to advance his degree at Ohio State University. There, brother Lawrence Kenyon was born and later after the move to Fort Collins, Colorado, little sister Pamela Kay was born.

The family settled in Fort Collins for 10 years until John made another move, choosing Shafter, California as his next position with the USDA. Mike was 15 years old at the time and attended Shafter High School. He excelled in his studies and was a dedicated athlete. At Shafter High, he met Martha (Marti) Carrete, a girl who was from the small neighboring town of Buttonwillow. The woman who 5 years later would become his wife. They had classes together and began dating in their junior year. In his senior year, he was part of the undefeated Shafter Generals football team, something he was always proud to talk about.

Mike went on to study mechanical engineering, attending the University of California at Berkeley. He proposed to Marti on the Christmas before her graduation from Bakersfield College School of Nursing. They were married June 26, 1965 in Buttonwillow and soon headed off to Berkeley together with Mike earning his degree from Cal in 1967. He then attended Stanford University, completing his Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1968. He later returned to school, receiving his MBA from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Upon graduating from Stamford, he returned to Southern California joining Lockheed in Burbank. For a while he took flying lessons, earning his pilot’s license and taking his family on short trips. This included his son Terrence (Terry) Edward, born March 14, 1969 followed by daughter, Jennifer (Jen) Leigh, born December 24, 1971.

His career then took the entire family cross country to Connecticut, when he took a position with Sikorsky Helicopters in 1972. He later went on to work for AMF at their Research and Development Center. This would start his most favorite time of his career, as he spent his days playing with composite materials and applying them to a wide range of sporting equipment and vehicles. From tennis racquets and skis to motorcycles and yachts, the new world of lightweight but stronger construction was his playground. In 1984 he transferred to a different division in Cheyenne, Wyoming which at last allowed him to return to where he loved life best, Fort Collins, Colorado. He eventually returned to aeronautics retiring from Ball Aerospace in 1996.

Mike settled into life here in Fort Collins. He had many hobbies related to the outdoors. He loved exploring the Rocky Mountains which included backpacking and climbing 14ers with friends and family. He loved traveling, around the country and around the world. He followed developments in science and stayed active with his professional organizations. He loved reading the latest discoveries in Scientific American and Discover magazines and engaging in discussions of politics, current events and most especially sports.

Mike is preceded in death by his son Terry, his father John and his mother Lou. He is survived by his wife Marti, daughter Jen, brother Larry, sister Pam and her husband Larry Ace, grandson Ryan along with many cousins, nephews, nieces and godchildren.

A celebration of Mike’s life will take place Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11am at Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526, phone (970) 482-3208.

For those who are unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available. Please click on the following link.

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