Jack Dean

Jack Edward Dean, born March 14, 1939 in Everett, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026 at the age of 87 at the Retsil Veteran’s Home in Port Orchard, Washington, surrounded by his children and family.

Jack was born to George Tolar Dean and Florence Alga Severson, the second of three children. He was born at the end of the Great Depression and grew up during difficult financial times. Because of those hardships, he dropped out of High School at the age of 16 and joined the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Walker from 1956-1962, based in San Diego and Pearl Harbor, including a tour in southeast Asia.

Jack worked most of his career in law enforcement with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, where he had a distinguished career as a detective. He investigated and solved numerous petty crimes, burglaries, bank robberies and homicides. His records were filled with Letters of Commendation from his supervisors, Judges, political figures, other Municipalities, and citizens. Some of his cases were even published in Detective Magazine, a nationally circulated publication of that time.

During his years with the Sheriff’s office, Jack was instrumental in establishing the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Olympic Boxing Academy, a County sponsored organization created to give troubled young people a sense of identity, purpose, discipline, and a way off the streets. Numerous Golden Gloves, National, Olympic and professional champions came out of his gym. He was inducted into the Kitsap County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jack was also known as “Mr. Stiltz”, a 10-foot tall clown who could often be seen in local parades and community events throughout Kitsap County and other Puget Sound cities. Mr. Stiltz even won a contest to succeed the “Weedle on the Needle” as the Seattle Supersonics mascot and performed at a few games.

Jack is survived by his 5 children; Joey (Shannon), Jaimie (Pepe), Jacques (Cheryl), Chad (Julie) and Jonah (Michelle);11 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his ex-wives and life-long friends, Jamie, Reise, and Judy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Travis; his sister Deborah; his first wife, Linda; and his fifth wife, Dianna.

Jack had a truly interesting and remarkable life. He was a unique and intriguing individual – someone anyone who knew him could attest was truly one-of-one. He was loved and will be deeply missed.

A graveside service was held on August 19, 2026 at Forest Lawn Cemetery where he was buried alongside his deceased wife, Diana. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.