Dean Rodger Paul
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - July 5, 2020
Dean R. Paul
December 20, 1918 - June 2, 2020
Dean Rodger Paul, longtime
resident of Grand Junction,
passed away on June 2, 2020,
at the age of 101 years and six
months.
Dean was a WWII veteran,
serving in four campaigns,
surviving the D-Day invasion
and helping in the liberation of
Nazi occupied France. After the
war, Dean married his childhood
sweetheart, Glynnis “Sue” Rose, who shared his sense of humor
and his dreams. He became a professional hairstylist, winning
many coveted awards in his native Toledo, Ohio and Michigan.
At the age of 46, he moved his family from Ohio to Colorado.
He worked full time and graduated from Fort Lewis College. His
teaching credential from Ft. Collins enabled him to teach special
needs children at the Occupational Training Center. He also
coached their track and field program resulting in several trips to
the Denver State Championships.
In his 40’s Dean also pursued other activities including drawing,
painting, sculpture, pottery making, and acting in several local
plays. He landed an “extras” part in the film “Avalanche” with Rock
Hudson and Mia Farrow, well known movie stars of the time. He
also continued his daily routine of strength building, running, and
cycling. Dean loved physical activity as much as mental challenges.
Retirement saw touring Civil War battlefields, visiting Washington
DC, and points East with Sue, his children and grandchildren. He
practiced his golf swing and learned archery. In his 70’s Dean
audited classes at Mesa State well into his 90’s. He gave talks about
WWII at Mesa State and area high schools with original newspaper
articles and photos. He also helped set up and did timing at Saturday
track meets at Stocker stadium. He loved animals and fed stray and
feral cats. He learned to play the piano. He continued to compete in
5k, 10k and half marathon fund raisers, taking top honors in many.
In 1999 he was awarded the Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty
authorized by the Governor of Normandy, France. With typical
humor Dean stated, “I felt very humbled but I think I have the
strength of character to fight it”.
After 66 years of marriage, Sue passed away in 2000. During
this time of grief Dean was helped and encouraged by his friends.
He also had two hip surgeries. Dean was still a voracious reader,
lifetime student, avid bicyclist (now a stationary bike), and
intentional humorist. He was known by his friends to have a quip
in one pocket and a thought-provoking quote in the other. He was
still a JUCO fan and lover of people. He received more than he gave
while performing as Santa at local libraries and nursing homes. He
enjoyed Ballroom dance lessons. He learned tap dancing at Dance
Works and loved becoming the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of
Company B” every May.
At age 88, Dean was named the 2007 Patriot of the Year for his
help to veterans. He also received the 2007 Citizen of the Year
Award. Many times Dean said, “This town has been so good to
me.” He loved Grand Junction, the people he met and friends he
made here.
At age 90, Dean had a surprise birthday party. However, everyone
else was surprised when Dean did his 90 non-stop push-ups.
Dean’s 100th birthday party at Mesa State, arranged by his
grandsons, gave friends and family a chance to get together to
celebrate Dean. It was a great time to honor an enthusiastic and
humorous inspiration.
Dean was proud and honored to be one of Tom Brokaw’s Greatest
Generation.
He was preceded in death by Sue, his wife of 66 years.
Dean is survived by his son and daughter; two grandsons, and
five great-grandchildren.
The family thanks all of those whose friendship and caring have
helped Dean and us in so many ways. He loved and appreciated
all the times spent with his friends. We are so grateful for all your
loving kindness and companionship.
Per Dean’s request, there will be no services.
To leave a condolence or send your favorite memory of Dean,
please send a card to 3491 Linda Vista Drive, Shingle Springs, CA
95682 or send an e-mail to counselorziegler@hotmail.com.
As Dean would say, “I wanted to be a tree surgeon, but I cou
