Obituaries

Dean A. Garrett, Jr.

Photo of Dean  A.  Garrett, Jr.
DEAN A. GARRETT, Jr., 46, died peacefully in his home in Little Rock Jan. 19, 2017. He is survived by his loving daughter, Lainey Garrett; his mother, Linda Hall Fordyce (John) ; his sisters Diane Newcomb, Eureka Springs, Mindy Gipson (Thom), VA, Leslie Garrett Cunha (Gabe), NY; his nieces and nephews Shannon and Matt Newcomb, Garrett & Brooke Gipson; his Fordyce step-siblings Jack, William (Karen), Elizabeth (Greg Whitmire); nieces & nephews Kenneth & David Reunard, J.R., Carly & Emily Fordyce. His father, Dean A. Garrett, his brother, Bob Garrett, and step-sister Anne Fordyce preceded him in death. Dean was born Nov. 16, 1970, in Newport, Ark. He lived in Fort Smith, Eureka Springs and Little Rock making long-term and valued friends. Deno inherited his Dad's strength and athletic ability. He mastered BMX bicycle free-style and racing, winning First Place in his age group and class and the overall Race of Champions at Grand Nationals when he was 14. Skiing became his passion when he won the Jean-Claude Killy Award at Young Life for Best Beginner, skiing Black Diamonds his first day. He chose Colorado Mountain College for the skiing. He earned a BA in Psychology from UALR, a day after his daughter Lainey's high school graduation. Dean's journey was challenging yet adventurous; his inherent abilities and pursuits kept life interesting. He embraced stone masonry in Eureka Springs, loving the engineering complexity and design, achieving in a short time what was called cathedral-quality skill. His work on the Crescent Hotel was featured on Bob Vila's show. Shoulder pain limited Dean's stonework but he creatively pursued and oversaw projects. His battle with chronic pain and depression never let up, but he made and valued continuous progress. He loved and appreciated those who helped him. When he got his home, he was so happy to help others by opening it as a Chem-Free House. In recent years he had a successful eBay business, enjoyed investigative journalism, and was researching and writing a book. His remarkable technical skills and ingenuity were appreciated by friends, family, and co-workers. Lainey was his pride and joy. Her father thought of her as his saving grace. They shared many laughs, tears, and everything in between helping both of them cope with life's everyday struggles. Lainey was the only one who could ever win an argument against him. One of Lainey's favorite things in the world was her Daddy's loving hugs. He loved his family and friends. His brilliance was greater than anyone else's argument! Dean's presence, his sense of humor, his deep voice, and warm, comforting embrace is greatly missed. Visitation 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Ruebel Funeral Home with Memorial Service at 10 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church of Little Rock, 8th and Center Streets, with a reception following. Memorials may be made to The Firehouse Hostel and Museum, 1201 Commerce St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Firehousehostel.org. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published January 23, 2017

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