Dean Jackson, 62, of Clinton, passed from the loving arms of his family into the loving arms of his eternal Heavenly Father in the early hours of Oct. 22, 2005.

For over 18 months he fought a courageous battle with cancer, all the while an inspiration to those around him. His wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude allowed him to overcome every obstacle he encountered and often made others laugh through his difficult circumstances.

Dean was born in Fairview, Okla., on July 5, 1943, to Mary Irene and Myron Jackson.

He moved to Kansas in his early childhood, attending schools in Wichita, and Derby, graduating from the first senior class of Campus High School in Wichita. He played Babe Ruth league and high school baseball, football, and was crowned homecoming king his senior year.

Dean married his high school sweetheart, Rosalie DeForest, on July 20, 1962. He was employed by the Boeing Company of Wichita in 1961, and after a two-year lay-off, returned as a sheet metal mechanic.

He moved with his family to Seattle in 1967 and transferred permanently to the Everett Boeing plant in 1968. After living in Snohomish and Everett, he and Rosalie moved to Whidbey Island in 1988. During his last 25 years at Boeing he was part of the elite AOG team, traveling all over the world repairing and converting 747s, 767s, and 777s. During those years he often shared those trips with his wife.

His peers often referred to him as Boeing’s very best and hardest working mechanic. He retired after 40 years of dedicated service in September 2003.

Although his priority in life was to provide for his family, his true passion was fishing, fishing, and more fishing. He felt fortunate to have fished many areas around the world, but most often you would find him on the shores of Bush Point and the lakes of Whidbey Island.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, and brother Don.

Dean is survived by Rosalie, his loving wife of 43 years; sons Philip of Seattle, and Craig of Clinton; daughters, Cherilyn Dahl (Jeff Stevens) of Langley, and Dena (Al) Thomas of Freeland. Also by his grandchildren, Zach and Kyley Dahl, Karissa and Chelby Thomas, Justin and Tyler Jackson all of Whidbey Island; and brother Ron Jackson of Newton, Kan.

His family, Christian brothers and sisters at CMA Church, his many fishing buddies, and other dear friends who were fortunate enough to know him, will remember his kind warm-hearted spirit, his unconditional love and understanding. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 at Langley Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Sixth and Cascade, Langley. A memorial fund is being established.