Dean D. Cress
September 28, 1934 - July 05, 2018
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Dean D. Cress
September 28, 1934 - July 05, 2018
Obituary
Dean Cress, of Bellingham, passed away on July 5, 2018. He was born to David and Clara (Gwinner) Cress in Bellingham while on the family farm on September 28, 1934.
After graduation from Mt. Baker High School, where he loved playing football, Dean moved to Seattle for 30 plus years where he retired as a supervisor for the City of Seattle, Engineering Dept. Upon retiring in 1988 he returned to the family farm in Whatcom County. Participating in Boy Scouts as a teen, Dean attended the National Scout Jamboree in 1949 at Valley Forge, PA and earned the rank of Life Scout. He continued as an adult volunteer in Scouting during his sons’ time in Scouting and beyond, earning the highest volunteer award in Scouting, the Silver Beaver. He hiked the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska with Scout Troop 100 in 1980 and led a 50 mile hike across the North Cascades in 1978.
In 2001 Dean married Regiena “Gean” Kortus and together they shared 17 wonderful years.
Dean was a quiet, ethical, and hardworking man. Always community minded, Dean was a committed member of the Rome Grange for 67 years, serving as Master some of those years and doing whatever needed done without complaint. He also volunteered at their family church in Seattle, doing maintenance and other odd jobs. He loved the outdoors, gardening, barbequing, hunting, and watching football and baseball (go Mariners!), though there was nothing he loved more than spending time at the family home with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Gean Cress; sons, David (JoAnn) and Dan (Juanita); step-son, Jeff (Sokanha); step-daughter, Marcella (Dave); grandchildren, Katie (Stefan), Abigail, Maria, and Alex; step-grandchildren, Gracie, Landen, Angel, Tyler, Emma, and Lucien; and 1 niece and 1 nephew.
He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Clara; and his first wife, Elaine (went to heaven in 1994).
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at 1:00PM at Spring Creek Bible Church (567 E Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rome Grange (3013 Henderson Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226).
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: July 19, 2018 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Spring Creek Bible Church
- Location: 567 E Kellogg Rd Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
9 responses to Dean D. Cress
Joyce “Smith” Stefancik says:
July 5, 2018
So sorry for your loss, the video was so beautiful. I even saw a couple of faces I recognize. Aunt Clara was my moms sister. I remember staying at the house when we came to visit many years ago. Thank you for sharing this video. May God bless you at this time.
Tammy Longstaff says:
July 5, 2018
So sorry to learn of Dean’s passing. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers and hope that your wonderful memories will soon overshadow the sadness that you all must feel.
We always enjoyed going to the farm and visiting with Dean the few times we did. We admired his determination and hard work. He was a good man! Love to you all!
Dennis, Tammy, and Savannah Longstaff
Dick & Sharon Ericson says:
July 5, 2018
We have loving memories of years past. Working with Elaine, sharing the joy when our children were born, helping Mom give David his first bath. Camping and hiking, we learned a lot, like not taking canned food in our back packs. Dean had to do double duty packing things in. It didn’t take long to see how the pro’s did it.We had a lot of good times together as our family grew up. We love you David and Dan.(Danny)
How fast these years have gone bye and how sad we let time and distance keep us apart.
Dean was a man to be admired in every aspect of life and many benefited from his contribution.
Those who have shown us LOVE brought us JOY and made us LAUGH have given us the lasting gifts of a beautiful life and sweet memories to hold within our hearts forever.
With Love, Dick & Sharon Ericson and Family
Bill Atkinson says:
July 5, 2018
I don’t remember you ever calling me by my name. It was always “Wild Bill”, “Sweet William” or “Willy” In return I only called you “Mr. Cress” it was not because you expected or demanded that, but because you earned it.You Sir, lived a life to be proud of. A role model to so many young people but most importantly, your family. They mourn now, but I know they will do well because of the values that you instilled upon them.
I miss a world in which men like you, once common, have become more rare each day.
Farewell Mr. Cress,
Wild Bill