Dean Webster Holbrook

Dean Webster Holbrook, our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend died on February 3, 2022. His examples of kindness, loyalty, and never-ending support will influence and bless his posterity for generations to come. He made the world a better place.

Dean was born on May 4, 1928, in Salt Lake City to Norma Webster and William Harry Holbrook.  He spent many happy years growing up in Bountiful, playing with cousins who lived nearby, going to Saturday matinees at the old Bountiful Theater, and running around the neighborhood with friends.  He spoke fondly of those years and created a love in all of us for the people he knew back then.

Dean was very proud of his pioneer heritage.  Hearing stories of his ancestors who came across the plains gave him a sense of who he was and who he wanted to become. These people included Francis Webster, Henry Lunt, and Joseph Holbrook, men often quoted and referred to in talks, books, and lectures.  When Cedar City created bronze statues of Francis Webster and Henry Lunt to display on Main Street’s Historic Walk, he immediately went to see them.

He loved sports, participating in basketball, tennis, and golf, and he found great delight in watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in these activities when he was no longer able to.

Dean married his best friend Elaine Smedley Holbrook on June 23, 1948.  Theirs was a love story that spanned a lifetime.  Dean and Elaine were born just two weeks apart.  They grew up a few blocks from each other, attended school together, sat in church meetings by each other, and both graduated from Davis High School in 1946. They were friends their entire lives, and he loved her dearly.  As her health started to decline, he tenderly took care of her, hardly leaving her side.  She died last October, and there are not words to describe the depth of his despair. His heart was truly broken.

Dean and Elaine built a beautiful home in 1956, where they lived for 63 years.  Together, they turned their home into a sanctuary for those in need, a place of celebration to honor family and friends, and a gathering spot for all who knew them. With their warmth and love, they used this home to create priceless memories that will strengthen and bless loved ones for years to come.

Through his example, Dean taught his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to love learning and to recognize the value of hard work. He loved reading and always kept a book by his chair, often sharing new insights and ideas about the things he read.  He spent many hours working in his yard where he and Elaine hosted numerous weddings, and he could often be found in the kitchen helping with dinner or serving guests. Helping others brought him much happiness.

He was a great supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and served as a merit badge counselor, helping many boys, including all 14 of his grandsons, earn their Eagle Award.  As a Rotarian, it gave him great satisfaction to present these young men with their Eagle neckerchiefs.

His passion for learning and experiencing new things motivated him and Elaine to travel all over the world, often taking children and grandchildren with them.  Family members will never forget visiting Israel, sightseeing in Russia, adventures in Disney World, road trips to Sun Valley, gatherings at Homestead, and so many more.  What wonderful memories were created!

Dean’s life has been one of service and great accomplishment.  He served as an expert witness in state and federal courts, chief of the Utah Right of Way Division, president of the Utah Association of Retired Public Employees, national president of the Sons of the Utah Pioneer, president of the Davis County Young Republicans as well as a state committee member, member of the Utah State Membership Council, and president of the South Davis County Chamber of Commerce. It is amazing that one man could accomplish so much while still being a devoted husband and father who always had time for his children and wife. His family was his number one priority, a fact they always knew and felt.

The Rotary Club has been an important part of his life since 1954.  He made many good friends through his association with club members, and he loved serving with them. The Rotary Club recognized him and his service by awarding him the Paul Harris Fellow and the Rotarian of the Year Award.

Dean was an appraiser by profession and was recognized for his expertise in the field.  He was made a member of the College of Fellows and awarded the designation of Fellow by the American Society of Appraisers. This is the highest professional designation of the society and is awarded for outstanding service to the society and contribution to the appraisal profession.

Because of his service and contributions to the community, he was given the Distinguished Service Award from the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Man of the Year Award from the Utah Right of Way Department.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dean served in many church callings including teacher, branch president of the South Davis Community Hospital, and a docent at the Church Museum of Art and History, but he considered his greatest calling to be that of husband and father.  He often gave blessings of comfort and healing to family members and was constantly teaching through his Christ-like example. He loved the Lord and showed it in everything he did.

Dean is proceeded in death by his parents and wife Elaine.  He is survived by his four daughters: Kristine Gill (David), Julene Robbins (Ken), Lisa Cena (Michael), Andria Cranney (Charles).  He has 20 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Norma Jean Garwood whom he loved dearly.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful 16^th Ward Chapel, 720 East 550 North, Bountiful Utah.  Viewings will be held on Friday evening, February 11, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.  Interment—Bountiful Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.