Dean Milton Varian

Dean was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 22, 1989. He is survived by his mother, Catherine Hines; father, Thomas Varian and his wife (Debra); sister, Eve Culnane and her husband (Michael). Dean is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He had an especially close relationship with his aunt, Anne Hines.

Since moving from Massachusetts to North Carolina with his family at the age of three, Dean lived in the Charlotte area. He attended Central Piedmont Community College and graduated with a degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. At the time of his death, he was employed as an optical consultant.

Through the many phases of his life, Dean gained a very large and diverse friend group who remember him as a sweet, compassionate soul.

As many of his loved ones recall, Dean was in a tragic car accident on June 27, 2010 which almost took his life. His recovery was miraculous, and we were all blessed with an additional 11 years with him. These years were a gift and were not taken for granted by Dean or by his friends and family.

Dean always strived to be stylishly dressed, with a hefty collection of shoes, baseball hats and eyeglasses to match his outfits perfectly. He is also remembered for his ever-changing hair styles. You could always find him with a smile on his face, eager to give one of his famous “Dean-hugs,” and to tell a corny joke to make you laugh and possibly roll your eyes as well. He found humor in all things. There wasn’t much that didn’t make him laugh out loud with his head thrown back while gripping his stomach.

Dean had a strong love of nature and enjoyed hiking with his mom or spending a day on the lake with his dad and sister. He was fascinated by all animals and was always eager to learn more. He took in the simple, day-to-day joys that so many of us fail to notice.

Dean’s most important trait was that he loved hard. He loved his family and friends with everything he had and was always putting others first. He sometimes joked that he already had bad luck, so the best he could do was help someone else. He saw the innocence and good in other people and set an example for others in that respect. This is how we will continue to remember Dean as we honor his 31 years with us and celebrate his life.

“I believe them when they say you’re in a better place. You had a wild side but you had amazing grace.”

Funeral services are private, but A Celebration of Life will be held at the end of July to include his many friends and all who loved him. The family will announce the time and place for the celebration once details are confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate to a non-profit organization in Dean’s honor and memory. Some organizations that Dean had a special connection with are Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville NC, where Dean helped his mother in volunteering; Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center in Iron Station, NC; or the Humane Society of Charlotte, in honor of Dean’s love for animals.