Page 20 - R.E.DEAN MEMORIAL BOOK

A Tribute To Our Grand Uncle Richard E. Dean

April 16 marks the death of our superhero and grand Uncle Richard E. Dean.
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“Uncle Richard” as he was fondly called, was humble, kind, loving, and caring, with a heart of gold. He
was a true Christian gentleman, who carried himself with grace and emanated the power of God in his
life.

There are countless memories of Uncle Richard we would always treasure; from weekends on the
beach and driving lessons, to essential etiquette tips. But most of all, we would never forget the impact

he has had on our lives as a music mentor, analyst, and economist.
When we were young boys, there was never a Christmas that we did not see uncle. He would always
show up to the house bearing gifts. He would sit around the tree and watch us open our presents. He
was big on board games and every year we would try to guess which board game we would receive.

Each time uncle visited our home, he would never leave without playing his game of choice, monopoly.
He always spent at least two (2) hours playing with us. This was his method of teaching us about life,
the importance of discipline, fairness and making good decisions.
From an early age we found ourselves attached to uncle. He took us everywhere with him. From choir
rehearsals, choir trips to sitting in the musician’s loft at Southland church of God. We always found
ourselves surrounded by music and knew that one day, one of us would follow in his footsteps. Nevardo
happens to be that one. Uncle started Nevardo playing the drums in church at 6 years old, and noting
his gifting, encouraged him to play other instruments throughout his teenage years including
saxophone, and piano.

Uncle has always been adamant about us perfecting our gifts, the importance of research, process,
practicing and having an ear for music. These core values have played a vital role in our development
as musician, composer, record producer, Architect, and biostatistician.
His words of encouragement have stuck with us over the years: “keep pushing, Vads and Trevs, keep
working at it.” “be a trendsetter, don’t follow the crowd.” “There is nothing impossible under the sun….

follow your dreams and live it daily.”

Words cannot express the love and gratitude we have for you. We thank you for all you have given us.
We’ve been enriched by your ideas and inspired by your mission and will always carry you in our hearts
and minds. Your legacy will certainly live on in and through us. Mommy, daddy, 'Vads' and 'Trevs' miss
you so much, but we know that you are in a better place. Sleep on and take your rest uncle Richard we
will meet again in Heaven someday.

Nevardo and Trevano

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