My husband Mike and I recently went up to the spot where Dean ran up the mountain in one minute. Though we tried replicating his run, we were gassed and sore, while Dean finished not even breathing hard. As Dean’s memorial started, thunder rolled, and rain and wind washed the building, a fitting tribute to a man who lived with such energy.
Dean was my mentor when I started as his aide at Boulder Elementary. He was magical, filling his classroom with fast-paced fun, immersion in the outdoors, and dirt. He knew every kid’s story, even bringing crates of activities on bus trips to ensure all of the kids were engaged. He taught them how to sprout seeds and, more importantly, how to embrace life, with a child-like sense of wonder.
He was a mentor in all things. Once, as he was dropping off chickens for me, a coyote appeared. I went to get my gun, but Dean simply ran at the fence and yelled, “Run, coyote, run!” That was Dean, fearless and kind. Since Dean loved to submit letters to the editor, I am honoring him in this way. May there always be men like you in the world. Thanks for showing me the ropes and making the world a better place.
Rochelle Hesford, Boulder
