Robert Dean

Robert S. Dean of Billings, MT died on 21 Sept 2018. By his choice, his remains will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At his request, no other formal service will be performed. Robert was born March 3, 1948 in Ogden, UT. He was the youngest of eleven children of Arvel W. Dean and Charlotte Stephens Dean. His parents died while Robert was a teenager leaving Robert to learn to care for himself in all things. He entered the US Army in September 1966. He rose through the ranks and became a Captain in the US Army. His most cherished military accomplishments and life long memories were that of an Infantry Platoon Leader and Infantry Company Commander in the 5th Division in Republic of Vietnam. His efforts earned him a Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct medal along with assorted Vietnam service and campaign medals. However, his most treasured military awards and accomplishments was that of being a Ranger in the US Army and proudly wearing a Ranger Tab on his left shoulder. Robert endured both the pride and punishment of the war carrying with him five bullet wounds 25 to 35 shrapnel wounds and 1st and 2nd degree burns and other wounds received in combat after enduring two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam and elsewhere. He returned on a stretcher from both tours of duty having served honorably for 20 months in combat and enduring 22 months in the hospital as a result of wounds received in that war. He has corresponded with and maintained his friendship with many of his former and much respected warrior friends. Robert moved to Montana in August 1977. He traveled from one end of Montana to the other from 1977 through 2000 as the proverbial road warrior, selling various items. He was both salesman and sales manager for three different companies over those twenty three years on the road. He knew and loved both the countryside side of Montana as well as its resplendent people. He often said that traveling Montana on his various routes was not work but rather like a continual vacation, seeing beautiful sights and meeting memorable people. In fall of 2000 Robert retired from the sales business and began his lifelong desire to complete his college education. He enrolled as a student at Montana State University-Billings. On 30 April 2004 Robert graduated with honors with a BS degree in accounting. Rubbing shoulders with students half his age and competing with them on the academic playing field was a treasured experience. He met and befriended many young and truly distinguished students and faculty alike. Robert's love of the outdoors took him the many camping and fly-fishing trips in the Beartooth Mountains. He knew and loved such lakes and rivers as Phantom, Sylvan, Dewey, Wounded Man, Silver, Mystic, West Fork of the Stillwater, and others as his fly-fishing playground. Many a fish took to a well placed dry fly only to be released after a being the proud catch of the day. Many an evening heard him recite old war stories over the flickering light of a camp fire deep in the Beartooth Mountains alone or with others. He would often recite the Gettysburg address while walking down the trail or sitting by an evening campfire. He so loved that memorable speech by President Lincoln. His love of the outdoors took him to the top of Granite Peak at the age of 53 years of age or up a mountain bike trail on Rattlesnake Trail while retreating from the presence of a stubborn large boar black bear or grizzly. During his many mountain treks he ran into grizzly and black bears alike, only to wish each a good day as he continued up the trail. Robert spent over three years embedded with the US Military and allied forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan in support Operation Iraqi Freedom in or near Tikrit, Iraq for 19 months and 18 months in or near Mosul, Iraq and for 2 months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This was Robert's final effort in support of America's military efforts. Robert supported America's military on three different continents during his lifetime. Iraq and Afghanistan was an enjoyable and welcomed last HURRAHH!!!! Robert's true love in the final years of his life was with his little off-white Labradoodle dog named “RANGER”. During Robert's bout with cancer Ranger was always by his side and gave him much comfort and strength to fight on. Ranger was his love and his life in these final years and Ranger was such a true, trusted, and loving companion to the bitter end. They were a team to behold walking and running the trails of Norm's Island or huffing and puffing along the Rims above Billings. If there is indeed an afterlife, Ranger and Robert will meet again and walk the trails side by side, running, laughing and enjoying the outdoors forever together……..