Harold Dean Mathenia, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. Born on Oct. 28, 1938. Dean was a man of unwavering strength, kindness and dedication who touched the lives of everyone he met.
Dean grew up the youngest of three brothers and one sister, instilling in him a strong sense of family and camaraderie from an early age. Dean proudly served his country joining the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Moses Lake where he met the love of his life, Frances. Dean knew that Frances was the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. Dean and Fran lived in Seattle where he worked at Todd Shipyards before returning to Moses Lake. He then found a fulfilling job as an electrician at U & I Sugar. Dean was affectionately known as “Big Hair.”
Dean and Frances created a nurturing home on a small farm, where they instilled values of accountability, compassion and hard work in their children. Their small farm became a sanctuary not only for their immediate family but also for two generations of grandchildren. Dean was a devoted caregiver, taking on the roles of babysitter and bus driver for his grandchildren and he was cherished by all as the best grandfather ever…