Samuel David Dean

Samuel David Dean born April 8, 1969 departed this life Saturday Dec 7, 2019 in Portland, OR. Sam was a gentle giant, a man of few words, but his presence spoke louder than words. He attended Holy Redeemer and the Portland Public School, graduating from Jefferson High School, where he won many track and field metals. After graduating from Jefferson High School. He attended Central Oregon Community College in Bend, OR. He majored in Psychology.

During school breaks, Sam would work at the family business Doris’ Café. After graduating from college, Sam began working full time at Doris’ where he worked for 20 years in many capacities: manager, cook, waiter, whatever was needed. After the restaurant closed in 2002. Sam continued to run Doris’ Café food cart at the Rose Garden and Memorial Coliseum during Blazer and Winterhawk’s games. He then began working as a courier at Federal Express where he remained for 18 years. Sam finally pursued his dream and started his own business Dean’s Custom Tees. He worked with many corporations, fundraisers, sporting events and with multiple community members.

Sam enjoyed his quiet time and would take long drives “just to clear his head”. He once took a drive to Hermiston, Oregon to get a single watermelon. “Just to clear his head”.

On December 1, 2003 Sam became a founding member and then later became President of the Full Tilt Riders Motorcycle Club “The Parent Chapter”.

His true passion was bowling. He rolled many 300 games and won a ring for an 800 series from the USBC.

Little did Sam know 18 years ago Bug would introduce him to the love of his life, Pep, better known as Asia. Which is a name he kept calling her and it stuck. They shared a special relationship admired by so many, but to them it was the love they shared every day. Sam enjoyed travelling with Asia. They visited Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas. For his Big 50th birthday this year they travelled to Cabo, and spent 2 weeks in Cambodia where he made a huge impact on all the people he met. They made him feel like a celebrity. (Not because he was big and black) *wink

Samuel leaves to celebrate his legacy: his mother, Rosie Dean of Portland, Oregon, In laws Sokphy and Bunthan Po, Jeff and Penny Wickum of Vancouver Washington. Siblings: Ronnie and Phyllis Dean of Portland, Oregon, Keith and Shawn Dean (Portland, Oregon), Kevin Fuller (Dallas, Tx), Heath “Bug” Fuller (Portland, OR), Jason Dean and Deshavian Dean (Portland, OR), Dominique Dean (Houston, Tx), Sabrina Dean (Salem, OR). Jamaal and Sokphair Winchester (Portland, OR), Silong and Sokpha Chhun (Tacoma, WA), Casey and Rosshell Neibert (Vancouver, WA), godson Samuel Bidney, honorary granddaughter, Kennedi Armstrong. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of Portland.

Welcoming him to “Tha Uppa Room” his father Harry Lee Dean, and a heavenly host of others.