Dean Bleakney was born the second child to Lewis "Earl" and Nancy Bleakney. Raised in the Silverton Hills, he enjoyed the farm life close to his immediate family that included his two sisters, Leann and Joann; maternal grandparents, Willard and Martha Benson and his paternal grandfather, Jaye Bleakney. Dean was born developmentally disabled and had a hard life, growing up in the 1970s when public awareness of disabilities was not as compassionate as it is today.

Dean enjoyed watching TV westerns, with Bonanza and any John Wayne movie being his favorites. He was not capable of speaking many words, yet his family could tell what movie he was quoting from his gestures, pantomiming the actors. He and Grandma Martha would "play" poker and drink "whiskey" (really apple juice.) His entire life he continued to ask for "whiskey" and those unfamiliar with the beverage secret would give his family quizzical looks!

Dean lived in a group home in Salem with his long-time housemate Johnny. He and Johnny previously lived at the Fairview Training Center, the large campus facility for developmentally disabled people that was closed in the 1990s. When Fairview closed, Johnny and Dean lived in houses managed by Partnerships in Community Living. He enjoyed loving care by a team of kind and protective caregivers.

Dean joins his parents and grandparents in eternal rest. His mind and body are whole now, no longer limited by the circumstances he endured during his life. His sisters, Leann and Joann, miss him, as do Johnny and his wonderful caregivers. Leann and Joann want to thank PCL for the years they took good care of Dean and gave him a happy life with van rides, time watching football and westerns, trips to the fair and favorite foods as treats, including pancakes and pizza.

For those who may wish to offer a remembrance of Dean and those like him, his family suggests donations to Partnerships in Community Living. Social service organizations like this one need community support. More information about PCL can be found at the website: PCLpartnership.org.