Birth date: Dec 9, 1944 Death date: Jul 11, 2024
Dean A. Whiteford was born on December 9, 1944, and passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 79. A Memorial Service for Dean will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lakeshore Baptist Church, located at 17306 Read Obituary
As you always said, Salute smartly and charge up the knockin hill.
I knew Dean for at least 40 years and flew with him for 20 years. I was honored to present him with the Order of the Rhino two years ago for his tremendous contribution to 89th Airlift Squadron. He was a great pilot and patriot. You always knew his priorities in life: God, his family, his Country, and his love for teaching. Dean was an amazingly creative artist too. When we deployed to Oman and Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm in 1991, he created some of most incredible art work on the wooden doors to our lodging tents in the desert. One of the doors was donated to the National Museum of the USAF. He also created a lot of artwork that hangs in the Squadron building today. Dean was friends to everyone he met. I know Dean is in heaven with his Lord now. Dean, thank you for all you did for us; you will be dearly missed. Brian Van Vliet, Lt Col, 89th AS Commander, Retired.
Mr. Black Chevy was quick to laugh, to be kind, to help, and to make keen observations! I loved babysitting his dear children. His wife and children are a reflection of his godly love and leadership❤️ My deepest condolences to your family.
I was a student of Mr Whiteford in the mid 80's. He was a wonderful, thoughtful, genuine man of God and teacher. I was in his photography class in 85/6. He really encouraged and challenged my skills and talents. Many years later, when my kids were attending DC, I intentionally sought out Mr Whiteford to say hello and see how he was doing. Not only did he remember me, almost 30 years later, he asked about specific memories. What a wonderful man!!
I am very sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained a wonderful man. Mr. White Ford was my all time favorite teachers at DCS (class of 79) and I spent hours in the darkroom and with my head behind a camera trying for perfect composition as a result of his photography classes. At the time he had a young daughter and he loved his family so much. I will never forget him and he has had a profound impact on my life and career as a photographer both for business and pleasure.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Shoreline Memorial Services - Muskegon
