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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Lydig, Dean A.

LYDIG, Dean A.

80 Years Young Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend left us suddenly on January 23, 2014.

He was a “MOUNTAIN OF A MAN,” who inspired us with his strength of character and showered us all with his love.

Dean was a lifelong resident of Spokane, born the second son to Gunder and Charlotte Lydig and raised with the extra love of his stepfather Jack Kelly and his maternal grandparents.

He attended both Rodgers and North Central H.S., excelling in basketball.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation.

On January 31, 1953 Dean married his “life’s love” Loretta May Standal.

Their 61 year marriage revolved around family, dear friends, and a loving devotion to each other.

His passing is a great sorrow.

Dean proudly served Spokane as a Deputy Sheriff for 35 years.

He rose from Patrolman to Undersheriff during his successful career, graduated from the FBI Academy and upon retirement, spent 11 years on the Washington State Fish and Wild Life Commission.

His volunteer efforts were extensive - Big Brothers and Sisters, Kiwanis, the Wild Life Council, Dartlow Campfire Camp - to name a few.

From management skills to logging, he did it all.

The great outdoors was Dean’s passion.

Hunting, backpacking, camping - you name it.

He loved his dogs and kept horses and mules for 35 years.

An exceptional athlete, he ran 50 miles on his 50th birthday, played rec.

hockey and enjoyed hard physical work like chopping wood.

He delighted in and appreciated our beautiful natural world.

Dean was a wonderful father and grandpa.

His granddaughter Heather was his angel.

He had a special gift for making and keeping friends for a lifetime.

He helped his friends find their moral compass and be their “best selves.”

Kindness, support, guidance and love were his trademarks.

With his beautiful wife and partner by his side, he truly made the world a better place.

He will be dearly missed.

Dean was preceded in death by his beloved twin daughter Pam, brother Paul Lydig, sisters-in-law Janet Lydig and Anita Standal and brother-in-law Bob Fisher.

He is survived by his loving wife Loretta, twin daughter Linda Stephan, her husband Dr. Robert B. Stephan - his mother, Virginia Stephan, son Jeff Colpitts and his loving family; son-in-law Ron Laycock, granddaughter Heather; niece Sharon (Darrell) Urlacher, nephews Russ (DeeDee) and Doug (Toni) Lydig and their wonderful families.

Also Loretta’s siblings - Norman (Brenda) Standal, Al (Vickie) Standal, Dorthy (Jim) Backstrom, Millie Fisher, Barbara Standal and their loving families.

A Celebration in Dean’s honor will be held at the Mukogawa Commons Building, Fort Wright campus, February 15, 2014 at 2p.m.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Family and true friends are our comfort .