Joe Dean

Joe Dean, 59, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Thursday, July 9, 2015. Joe was born on the Fourth of July, 1956 in Norfolk, Va. and was the second of four children to Francis and Catherine Dean. He spent his childhood in several locations including Virginia, Guam, Nevada, and California where he graduated from Fallbrook High School in 1974. Joe met his wife, Beth, in the summer of 1976. They married in Oceanside, Calif. August 5, 1978. After they married, they continued to live in San Diego County where their three children, Jennifer, Mike, and Josh were born. During Joe’s lifetime he logged many miles and memories across the country, often traveling through Idaho. Never being one to take the main road, Joe discovered a small town in northern Idaho where he instantly knew he wanted to make a home. In 1988, Joe moved his family to Hope where he continued to live and raise a family for nearly 30 years. Early in his career, Joe worked a number of jobs, the highlight of which was working as a low bed driver and equipment operator with his mentor and life-long friend, Mike McDonald. Later, Joe could be found hauling sand and gravel in San Diego County, moving heavy equipment across the west, or racing between Edmonton, Canada and Los Angeles behind the wheel of his KT-powered 1976 Peterbilt. Over the years, Joe formed and operated several different excavation, trucking, and materials companies. In addition, he was employed at Peak Sand & Gravel. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and finding unique places to explore with his wife including rodeos, craft fairs, local hangouts and truck shows. The couple often traveled between their home on the hill in Hope and their getaway on the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe, Mexico. He instilled that same sense of adventure in all three of his children. Joe loved the small community of Hope. After several years as a member of the Hope City Council, he became mayor in 2000. He served as mayor until 2004. Joe was re-elected in 2008 and was still serving at the time of his death. He was instrumental in the city’s progress and was very proud of his role as mayor. In October 2010, Joe and Beth became grandparents to Frances Anderson and Knox Dean. The two of them meant everything to Joe and the spirited pair could turn the imposing and intimidating mountain-of-a-man into soft-hearted “Grandpa Joe” in seconds. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Dean; his grandparents, William and Florence Dean and Sara and Edward Cox. Joe is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beth Dean; their three children, Jennifer (Brandon) Olsen of Spokane, Wash., Mike Dean of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Josh Dean of Denham Springs, La.; his mother Kitty Dean; siblings Frank (Diane) Dean, Lynn Dean, and Kevin (Jackie) Dean; grandchildren Franny Anderson and Knox Dean; and his two ferocious miniature pinschers, Carmen and Annie. Joe will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 17, 11 a.m. at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, 109 N. Division Ave., Sandpoint, Idaho. Following the service a memorial fiesta will be held at 1 p.m. at Trestle Creek Recreation Area in Hope, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, The Joe Dean Memorial Fund has been established to benefit the community and children of San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, Joe’s home away from home. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch or mailed to: The Joe Dean Memorial Fund ? Mike Dean P.O. Box 2364 Sandpoint, ID 83864