Dean Keiji Tajima

Dean Tajima, 38, of Las Vegas, passed away Friday, May 24, 2013 after a brief but courageous fight against mesothelioma. A native Las Vegan, Dean was born February 28, 1975 to Hiroshi and Kazuko Tajima. Dean excelled in athletics which eventually led him to pursue a career in firefighting – first with the US Forest Service and ultimately with the North Las Vegas Fire Department. Dean was an avid hiker and enjoyed the outdoors – whether it was in the mountains, on the beach, or in the desert. He developed an early love of animals, especially lizards, and even as an adult could frequently be found chasing and catching them around the fire station. Dean loved skateboarding, basketball, karate, Muay Thai, and playing guitar. He pursued these passions as often as he could between work and sharing time with his family. Dean had a special fondness for Hawaii and married his best friend and true love, Crystal Gantt, on Waialae Beach on September 17, 2010. They have two beautiful daughters, Keira Naomi and Olivia Yuriko, who were both the loves of his life and his pride and joy. A devoted family man, Dean enjoyed spending time with and doting on his wife and daughters. He is survived by his wife, Crystal; daughters Keira and Olivia, parents Hiroshi and Kazuko, brother Eddie and his wife Misuna and their daughter Brienne. Visitation will be from 3-7pm Friday, May 31 at Palm Mortuary Northwest, 6701 N. Jones Blvd. Service will be at 10am Saturday June 1, 2013 at Canyon Ridge, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road. Interment will be at Palm Northwest Cemetery at a later date.