Dean Dennett

DEAN M. DENNETT IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dean Manderfield Dennett, 80, of Idaho Falls, died August 8, 2007, at his home. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. He was born January 17, 1927, in Rockville, Utah, to David Alma Dennett and Rosalie Benfell Dennett. He grew up and attended schools in the area. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class during World War II. He later attended Brigham Young University, Sacramento State University, and California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, California where he received a Master of Arts Degree in Education. On August 12, 1961, he married Ruth Etta Haymore in Yuba City, California. Their marriage was solemnized in the Oakland LDS Temple in August, 1969. He was a teacher, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, district superintendent for the Buckeye School District, and served as Shasta County Superintendent of Schools in Redding, California. He was a member of the Shasta County Library Commission, a member of Phi Delta Kappa (a professional educators' fraternity), a member of the Association of California School Administrators, and a member of the California Association of County Superintendents. In 2004, he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) disease and his family wanted him to move closer to some of them. On June 29, 2005, after 38 years in Redding, Dean and Ruth moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous positions. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, traveling in his motor home, and cruises. Helping others has always been Dean's life-long creed. Survivors include: Wife: Ruth Dennett of Idaho Falls, ID Son: Dennis (Carol) Dennett of Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Deborah (Lynn) Smith of Blackfoot, ID Daughter: Katherine (Greg) Laret of Orangevale, CA Daughter: Karen (Chris) Wright of Woodinville, WA 3 brothers; 2 sisters; 18 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge), with Bishop Lee Brundage of the Idaho Falls LDS Woodruff Third Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team. ---------------------------------- Condolences received online: Pat Denniston I was saddened to hear of Dean's death. Ed Duggan plays duplicate bridge with the same group as I. Through him, I was aware of Dean's relocation from Redding and his new battle with another disease. It was a privilege and an honor to know and work with Dean. His caring and integrity were shining examples to all of us in the education field. My respects and condolences to all his family. Jim Gordon jim_gordon@byu.edu Dean Dennett was a great leader and example. His teachings, kindness, and personal interest in young people strongly influenced me, and I will always remember him with great affection. It was truly a blessing to know him. I pray that the Lord will comfort the Dennett family at this time. They are a wonderful family, are great examples, and have such a legacy of service to others. Sincerely, Jim Gordon, Orem, UT Alice Hinson ahinson@charter.net I wanted to offer my sincere condolences to you and regret that I did not get around to thanking Dean for coming to Bella Vista School and recommending AFLAC insurance why back when. I have used to twice and each time have thanked him in my mind. His name lives on in my family. Mike Mangas Dear Ruth (and family), It was such a privilege being your neighbor for so many years on Gold St.! I missed you both greatly when you moved to Idaho. in fact, even though we moved from the neighborhood first, I still felt a connection with Gold St. until you left. Dean was such a caring, gentle man.. I learned a lot over the years from his demeanor. I'm sure the last few years have been difficult, but it's reassuring to know you've had the support of family there. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Mike, Lindy, Jacob, Andy & Michaela Mangas Robert and Bertien Toenjes bertien@frontiernet.net We will always remember Dean for his wonderful smile, his integrity, friendliness and always willing to take an extra mile in helping us in any situation. We remember with fondness our years working with him on the County Board of Education. We wish the family the best in the future. Thanks Dean. Bob and Bertien Toenjes Bob Clearie info@hermitshut.com To Ruth, Debbie and family. I was sad to read of Dean's passing. Please know that I am much richer in knowledge and spirit because he passed my way, and am honored to have known him. May the Lord richly bless each of you and give you His strength as you go on with life. May His Mercy and Grace lift your burdens in the days to come. Kindest personal regards, Bob Jan & Tom Gandy janiloug@citlink.net Some years ago, Dean took over as principal at N Cow Creek School in Palo Cedro after our principal died. Dean was exceptional. Parents were pushing for 8th graders to take Algebra so he pre-tested them and found only one child ready -- our son, Todd. Todd was allowed to teach himself Algebra that year. He went on after high school to become a mechanical engineer and then went to dental school. He is now a dentist in Redding. We thank Dean for that early push and for recognizing Todd's ability to problem solve. Dean, as county school's superintendant also came to Cow Creek when creationism was being taught in the science class. He was soft-spoken but firm informing the school and parents that the state would not let this continue. Tempers flared, but he remained professional throughout. He was a lovely man and a great educator. Shasta County was blessed to have him in our midst. Our condolences to his family. Gary Robinson Robigs@amwtp.inl.gov I was saddened to hear that Dean had passed away. I am a product of the Shasta County School District and a 1975 graduate of Shasta High School. I remember Dean and the hard work he did to improve the district and the quality of our education. He was an honest and caring man with an outstanding reputation. I was also privileged to know Dean as a member of the church ward where I grew up. He was an excellent role model for me in my youth. My prayers are with those who were closest to Dean. I know that his passing is difficult but take comfort in knowing that he will be missed by the many that he helped during his life. Billie Haymore Allen billiehallen@comcast.net Dear Aunt Ruth and all the Family, The Douglas and Hortense Haymore families send you our love at this time of loss. Uncle Dean was a bright light that warmed all those he touched. We are so glad he was part of our lives. The last time I saw Uncle Dean was at my Dad and Mom's funeral in March 2006. He and the family came and it truly touched our hearts that you came so far to be with us when life was not easy for him or your Aunt Ruth. Thank you. We are with you today in spirit and send our love and hugs to each of you. Billie Haymore Allen Betty Frisbie Horner Darla Fay Menden Douglas Nebeker Haymore Donald Arthur Haymore Dorothy Ann Wicke Cherryl Lee Kleinman Cynthia Hortense Klebe Dennis Wayne Haymore Daniel Ray Haymore Dale Terry Haymore Darrell Dean Haymore Delane Dwight Haymore Dallas Scott Haymore Helen Stephenson hlstephenson@frontiernet.net I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this dear person. He was inspirational as a person in his Superintendent position at Buckeye School, because of his respect of the staff and the students. This wise and caring trait carried into his position of County Superintendent of Schools. Please accept my condolences. Mary Forbes marforb@aol.com I am saddened to learn of Dean's passing. I will forever be grateful to him for hiring me as a Deaf Ed. teacher. I was a single mom raising 3 kids and teaching in a stressful situation. Dean rescued me by hiring me to fill a teaching position in Special Ed. for Shasta County, helped me arrange for an emergency credential until I could fulfill a couple of requirements. I loved teaching the hearing impaired and I have Dean to thank for my career in that field. My sympathy to all his family in the loss of such a fine man. Patte Jelavich In recent months Mr. Dennett was in my thoughts a great deal. We served together a number of years ago on the Shasta Libary Commission and library campaigns years ago. With the opening of our new state of the art library in March 2007 I gave much thought to how many years it took to make that happen. I also thought about people like Mr. Dennett who contributed so much to the effort and wished he could be here to see the final result. My regards to his family; you have much to be proud off. Dean Dennett was a fine, fine man. Patty Mullett pmullett@frontiernet.net I just want to convey my condolences to the family. Dean hired me at Buckeye for my first teaching job. I have always had great respect and admiration for him. Dean was a positive support with a gentle and caring attitude. I've thought of him often. I feel fortunate to have known him. RICHARD E HAAKE [rhaake@sbcglobal.net] August 20, 2007 Dear Mrs. Dennett and Family, I first learned of Dean's death from the story in the Redding Record Searchlight. In the same edition there was a notice of the death of John Riley, the longtime principal of Central Valley High School. It was a sad day. The last time I remember talking to Dean was at an administrators meeting in the back yard of your home in Redding. He was an outstanding educator and excelled as Super intent of School for Shasta County. It was with pleasure that I had known him as an educator and friend. I and my wife, Katharine want to send to you and your family our condolences. Dean was a fine man. Sincerely, Katharine and Richard Haake Barbara Gard barbara-gard@calpsych.org Dear Ruth, My deepest sympathy to you and the family for your loss. What a wonderful man, and so dearly beloved by me and my children. He gave so much to so many and has certainly left the world a better place for all of his wonderful contributions to it. So many children gained from his care, kindness, and competence. Many of us gained so much from his friendship. Please know I am thinking of you and send you my love. Barby Pam Drake pldrake@earthlink.net I was saddened to hear of Dean's death. I taught at Buckeye Elementary School under his supervision. He was always supportive and inspired me to try to craft a better lesson. He also encouraged me to continue my education and to try new things. His input strengthened me both as an instructor and as a person. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Pam Parker Drake Rocklin, California