Gilmore D. Dean

Gilmore Douglas Dean 11/10/1941-3/30/2021

Predeceased by Mother Clara Johnson, father Gilmore Dean, Brothers John, David, Daniel. Sisters-in-law Anna Marie, Bonnie Rose, brother-in-law Kenneth Benninger, Carl Logan. Son Harold Benjamin Jr., Grandchildren Matthew Davenport, Joshua Benjamin and Ariel Myers

Survived by the love of his life, wife of almost 55 years, Virginia (Benninger) Dean, daughters Rebekah E. Davenport (Jamie Sr.), Deborah A. Myers (Doug) and daughter-in-law Becky Benjamin. Sisters Diane Logan, Dolores Laraway, Darlene (Steve) Brennan, Marilyn Blackburn, Brother-in-law Jim (Sue) Benninger, Sister-in-law Ruth Dean

Grandchildren Jamie Davenport Jr (Dove), Joe Myers (Nicole), Eric Myers (Samantha), Kyle Myers (Jessica), Trevor Myers (Mindy), Kristan Vogel (Ted), Nikita Forehand (Nathan), Harold Benjamin III, Adrian Benjamin, Phillip Benjamin, Gabriel Benjamin, Crystaline Benjamin (Joshua), Heather Benjamin, Rebekah Benjamin.

20 great grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins

Doug, or, as known by many as Gil, started his life in the Adirondacks with his family. He learned his work ethics from his mother, grandparents, aunts/uncles and the folks he worked for in his younger years. He moved to Johnson City in his 20’s and met Virginia (Ginny) and that was all it took. They married Dec 30, 1966 and remained together until the day he left us all.

He took on the role, not only as husband but father to Virginia’s two children. In 1971, the Lord blessed them with Rebekah- his “Pumpkin”.

He worked many years for Borg Warner, retiring only due to health issues. He worked with several different friends doing landscaping, painting, repairs until he started his own business in landscaping until he could no longer do the work due to losing his vision.

Through it all, he was strong, determined to be his best person to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He Loved spending time with them, sharing multiple stories, driving his “bumpy back roads” to find out where they came out.

He loved to fish, hunt, spend time outdoors. He could fix about anything, even when his vision was fading, you’d often find him in his workshop “feeling” measurements and fixing items that needed it.

He loved racing- both local tracks and NASCAR and he shared this love with his grandsons. When Glaucoma took his sight, he enjoyed listening to the races on the radio. He adapted to all of the struggles that life threw at him with a Dean determination. We found the wonderful books for the blind and he amassed >1000 books to listen to.

Thank you to the staff at CMC- your care was always praised by him, Cayuga Ridge staff that did their best to help him regain strength to return home- that wasn’t the path the Lord had.

Doug/Gil was also survived by many friends he gained over the years though his dearest friends predeceased him- Paul Hardesty, Bob Farrell among a few. The owners/staff at Sunset Grill - once Manos closed- your patience, understanding, care and love you’ve shown both him and Ginny will be forever appreciated.

Heaven has gained another angel. He is surely busy cuddling Matthew, catching up with Hal, Josh, Ariel, Paul, Bob, Carl, Danny, Dave, Kenny, Bonnie, grandma and grandpa Lamoree, grandma Dean- just to name a few.