Dean Russell Henry passed away peacefully on December 30, 2012 He lost his struggle with Dementia complicated by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. He was born in Everett on July 25, 1928 the only son of Elvera (Vera) and Goldie Henry. Dean was only 3 years old when his Mother died. He then went to live with his Aunt Emma Nelson at the Nelson family farm in Avon. Dean grew up in the farmlands of Skagit Valley and was graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1946. After high school he went to work for a local moving company, Home Transfer Company. They were affiliated with Mayflower Movers. He was inducted into the Army in November 1950 and served a tour of duty with the Sixth Army 40th Signal Company. He was stationed in Japan and Korea for 9 months each. For his service he was awarded the Korean service medal with one Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service medal and the Army Occupation Medal (Japan). He was honorably discharged in October 1952. After the Army he returned to his home town and began working again for Home Transfer Company. During this time he frequented a downtown establishment. It just happened to be the same place that a group of local General telephone operators met. One of those operators caught his eye her name was Donna Mae Olson. They were married in Mount Vernon on October 13, 1953. A son Ted joined the family in 1954 followed by a son Kent in 1956 then their daughter Gail in 1960. During the family years there were many camping trips, family reunions and trips back east to visit relatives. The kids grew up in a very stable loving home due to the solid loving relationship of their parents. Dean and Donna celebrated 54 years of marriage until her death in 2008. In 1959 Dean started working for Texaco Refining Company of Anacortes. He enjoyed his years at the refinery and made many good friends from those years. He retired as a shift foreman from Texaco in 1987. Dean and Donna then became "Snow Birds" traveling back and forth to Apache Junction AZ for the next 20 years. Dean loved the mobile park where they lived. Besides the close relatives that also resided there, he also made many good friends. Dean had a talent for jumping on his bicycle and making his rounds visiting all of his friends. He and Donna explored the desert and the surrounding towns making it down to Mexico many times. He loved to go to the HUGE flea market outside of Mesa. He and Donna were big fans of the Seattle Mariners and went to their spring training games in Peoria. At home in Mount Vernon there was always a game on at their house. His closet was full of Mariner jackets, shirts and hats. Dean was an avid life long fisherman. He could often be found in his river scow on his beloved Skagit River fishing for Kings, Silvers and many Humpies. He made the best smoked canned salmon in town. He was a constant source of support and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his sons Ted Henry (wife Stephanie) Kent Henry (wife Brenda and daughter Amy Parker) Daughter Gail Henry Mendoza. Granddaughters Amanda and Keri Henry, Whitney Gomes (husband Dustin), Leslie Henry and Shauntee Henry (Benny Garcia and daughter Isella). Great-granddaughters Jordyn Gomes and Aleena Garcia. The family would like to thank the staff at Where the Heart Is for their faithful support and care that they gave to Dean while he resided there. Dean's family would like to suggest that in lieu of flowers that a donation to Skagit Hospice, 18919 S. 13th St. Mount Vernon be made in his name. A memorial service will be held January 7, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park at 1825 E. College Way. Mount Vernon. A reception will follow service.