Kenneth Dwane Dean

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Dwane Dean, of Ontario, CA. Ken passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at the age of 76, while surrounded by his wife and children.

Ken was born on May 4, 1948, in Oildale, California, and was the oldest son of Betty Jean (Isaman) Dean and William Franklin Dean. He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved daughter, Kelli-Lynne Dean, and father-in-law Harper Randolph, Jr.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elaine, whom he met while both were students at the University of Florida. Ken and Elaine were married in 1972 and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Ken is also survived by his mother-in-law Lilly Randolph, son Randolph and wife Rachelle Dean, daughter Lyndsi and husband Quinn Hanley, granddaughter Olivia Hanley, and grandsons Vincent Hanley, Nicholas Dean, Jacob Dean, and Jackson Hanley.

As the oldest of five siblings, he leaves behind his sister Laura and husband John Heath, sister Rebecca and husband Rodney Cain, brother William and wife Jan Dean, and sister Stephanie and husband John Walker. He truly loved his family, including nephew Shane and wife Heidi Heath, niece Hollie and husband Ronen Arad, nephew Matt Cain, niece Haylee and husband Corby Kaye, niece Tiffany and husband Brent Barnaky, niece Katie and husband Jason Seitzinger, nephew Dolan and wife Jenna Dean as well as his sister-in-law Coleen and husband Robert Metallo, niece Courtney Fuller and niece Andrea and husband Keith Wise.

Ken was a 1966 graduate of Chaffey High School and Chaffey College. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1972. Ken began working for Gemmel Pharmacy in 1974 and worked at the Upland store for 37 years. Ken treated his customers like family and loved telling stories about having generations of family members as customers. As a pharmacist, he was known for his caring and loving demeanor. In 2011, Ken began working for Vons in Upland and was there for 6 years until his “retirement”. After his retirement, Ken continued to work as a consulting pharmacist for a veterinary services corporation and a pharmacy services branch of a senior healthcare company.

Ken began a lifetime of service with AYSO Region 66 in Ontario in 1979. Ken served in many leadership roles with AYSO for over 40 years, often serving as a board member, coach, and referee in the same season. He coached each of his kids over a 15-year period and continued refereeing until 2019. Ken's passion for soccer instilled a love of the game in his family - one that continues today through his grandkids.

Ken served for 22 years as Recreation and Parks Commissioner for the City of Ontario from 1999 to 2021. Immediately following that role, Ken became Planning Commissioner for the City of Ontario and served in that role for over 4 years until his passing. In his role as a City Commissioner, he was recognized for his dedicated service and for being “a gracious representative of the citizens of Ontario”.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He never missed opening day of pheasant season in Tranquillity, CA and spent time every summer camping with the Randolph/Greene families in the western Sierra Nevada and catching countless trout. Ken and Elaine traveled the world for the last 20 years – including traveling with their grandchildren to Italy, France, Greece, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Everyone knew Ken loved watching sports and was a dedicated Florida Gators fan - having attended a Super Bowl, college football bowl games, countless Angel/Dodger games, Lakers/Clippers games, and golf tournaments including U.S. Opens at Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, and LACC. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and celebrated in victory lane with the #88 team in 2020 at the Auto Club 400.

While Ken was a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated professional, his role as 'Poppi' was the role he loved the most. He was ever-present watching his grandkids' soccer games, baseball games, cross-country races, and track meets across California. It was best said years ago by his grandkid’s friend that “I wish I had a Poppi like yours” – and in fact, he was Poppi to so many.

Our family will have a private graveside service. To celebrate him, we ask that you join us in spirit while watching the Super Bowl on February 9, 2025. At kickoff, raise a glass and honor his life that was filled with love, family, and service to others.