Bruce G. Dean

When reflecting on the life of Bruce Dean, it is easy to see that his love for the Lord tinged his every thought, word, and deed. He was proud of his faith and wasnt afraid to be a witness either, often sharing the joy in his heart with those who sat in the backseat of his cab. Bruce was blessed to share more then 30 years with his true love with whom he extended a compassionate heart and a tender touch to those in need. Although he enjoyed many things throughout his life, it was the time he spent with others that always brought him the greatest joy whether he was with his wife, his children and grandchildren, or his dear friends. With his fun-loving personality and jovial spirit, Bruce was so easy to love and so much fun to be around. The early 1940s were very much defined by our nations involvement in WWII as countless young men were serving overseas. It was in 1942 that Oliver and Catherine (Robinson) Dean were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own family with the birth of their son, Bruce, on May 14th. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Bruce was the youngest of five boys in his family including older brothers Robert, Arthur, Lawrence, and Douglas. Bruces father worked at Campbell Wyant & Cannon while his mother worked at Muskegon Piston Ring. Bruce was raised in the family home near Little Black Creek, which provided hours of fun for the boys including fishing, swimming, and just a cool place to hang out. Since the boys didnt have neighbors close by, they were often making their own fun together. As the youngest, Bruce was often picked on by his brothers, but he was close to his oldest brother Robert who often kept an eye on him. At times when the teasing became too much for the youngest Dean boy, Robert usually put a stop to it. Bruces father also worked as a volunteer police officer and so between his two jobs, Bruces father was often away from home. As to be expected, Bruces mother had her hands full with the five boys, and she put up with her fair share of teasing as well. For fun, the Dean brothers often took the family car and saw how far they could get it into the lake without it floating away! Then there was the time when Bruce was a teenager that he decided to take his mothers Ford for a spin along Wood Road. This was no leisurely drive either as he reached speeds of 110 miles per hour! Thank goodness Bruces mother was a God-fearing woman and was never truly on her own. For his education, Bruce attended local schools including Muskegon Heights High School where he enjoyed being in the choir. Math was his favorite subject, and he also loved to read. In high school one of his friends was a young man named Jim Little who became a lifelong friend and brother in-law. Faith was established as a cornerstone in Bruces life during his formative years, and he regularly attended Evanston Avenue Baptist Church. Together, he and Rev. Tom Woodin called on families together. Soon after he graduated from high school, Bruce secured a job at Challenge Stamping & Porcelain in Grand Haven. Also during this time he met a woman named Carolyn at church whom he married a short time later. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Lisa. Although their marriage ended in divorce after 13 years, Bruce was forever grateful for the daughters they shared. Life went on for Bruce and fate struck again at church. He sang in the choir with a different Carolyn who also happened to be Rev. Woodins daughter. Like a young schoolboy, Bruce often poked her and teased her during choir practice, and she thought Bruce was quite handsome. As they exchanged glances one day in the hallway at church, the couple knew they were destined to be together. Just four months later, they were married. Bruce and Carolyn settled into an apartment and when all of their kids were with them at the same time, there were five since she had three children of her own. They both struggled with their weight and went on a diet, Bruce losing 100 pounds and Carolyn losing 70. They enjoyed hiking in the dunes at Hoffmaster State Park, spending time at the lake, and just being together. When the economy was struggling during the eighties, Bruce moved with some friends to Indiana where he got a job in a local factory. Carolyn soon followed and got a job in the same factory, although she was unable to work after she took a fall in a store one day. Not long after, they decided to move back to Muskegon because they were both homesick. Since Bruce needed a job after they returned, his stepson Paul got him a job at Port City Cab where he worked. Bruce enjoyed his job as a cab driver and often spoke about Jesus with his customers. Through the years, Bruce was a man of many interests. He and Carolyn often spent time with her sister Nancy who was married to Bruces best friend, Jim Little. Bruce and Jim frequently fished and hunted together, although they never shot a deer. The two couples often talked on their CB radios, and Bruces handle was the Mad Hatter. Bruce loved to golf, played softball, and was an avid Tigers fan. Both Bruce and Carolyn loved the Lord and attended church on a regular basis. Later in life, Bruce and Carolyn accepted a position with Love Inc. to manage an apartment building. They gladly accepted, and their door was always open while taking care of the less fortunate. For some time, Bruce struggled with diabetes and heart problems. About two years ago, he began having a strange feeling in his chest while driving. As he was pulling in to park at his doctors office, his heart stopped. The car continued, however, and rode over the embankment, catching fire. Luckily, there were people who got Bruce out and revived him. Last year Bruce and Carolyn were able to take a trip to California and visit Bruces brother, Robert. As they were traveling up into the mountains the couple noticed that the clouds were below them. As Bruce noticed this his grip on the steering wheel became so strong that he had white knuckles! He could not get down from the mountain fast enough. Bruce Dean was an extraordinary man who was a gift to the world around him. He was a devoted husband, a wonderful grandfather, and a true friend. Although his family and friends will miss Bruce dearly, they find peace and comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior. Bruce G. Dean died on Thursday, August 5, 2010. Bruces family includes his wife of 32 years, Carolyn M.; daughters, Kim (Larry) Burmeister, Lisa Cook, both of Muskegon; stepchildren, Paul (Elaine) Baker of Muskegon, Gail (Joseph) Lomupo of Rothbury, Cheryl (Dave) Henderson of Muskegon; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Arthur (Doris) Dean of IN, Larry Dean of Grand Rapids, Doug (Carol) Dean of PA; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert. A service will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Oak Crest Church of God with Pastor Michael Prins officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Oak Crest Church of God.