Gilbert D. Williams

Gilbert Dean Williams or "Dean" as he was known to family and friends, of Vancouver, WA, passed awayFebruary 14, 2025, at Sunnyside Hospital in Clackamas, Oregon, of heart complications stemming from ashort battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.Dean was born to James Gilbert and Fern Sasser Williams on August 10, 1956, as one member of a setof twins. Unfortunately, his twin brother James Dale passed away during infancy. He became theyoungest of four siblings growing up in the small community of Beaver, Utah. He is remembered as aloving and compassionate brother with a penchant for a little bit of loveable trouble. Dean grew up helpinghis father in the family's "OK Tire Shop" and helping his mom in "Fern's Floral Shop" while he attendedand then graduated from Beaver High School in 1974. Dean would go on to study Radio Broadcasting atDixie State College where he enjoyed working at the local radio station. From there, Dean became anelectrical engineer in the semiconductor industry for 45 years.Dean loved the natural world around him. He loved fishing, camping, cutting firewood, listening to theocean's continuous surf, rain as it fell, and more. Recently, in his retired life, Dean learned to kayak, and itbecame a sport of passion. Deano was also a beekeeper. He wore bee shirts to strike up conversationsabout bees and help educate anyone that would listen. Because Dean grew up in a floral shop, he had anunusual love for flowers. Beekeeping helped complete the tie he had with his past and the way he sawflowers. It was his way of giving back to the world he lived in. Dean loved to travel. He always wanted togo and see family. He had a strong connection to the ones he loved. His deep love of family wasunwavering.Dean married Jaynie Clark on August 12, 1978, which was the beginning of what would be a long andhappy marriage of 47 years. Dean and Jaynie began their life together in Salt Lake City, Ut then movedto Portland, Oregon, Arlington TX, a short stay in Salt Lake City and then to Vancouver, WA in 1993 forthe duration of his life. I'm Deano's wife, Jaynie Williams and would like to thank him for his love. Wespent time together as best friends. We loved working together. A good date night was going to thehardware store and getting supplies for our next project. Dean's love for me knew no boundaries. Hebrought joy to me and his family. When leaving the house, he always said that he loved me and to hurryback home to him.Dean found his true calling when he had the joy of becoming a father in 1981. He would go on to havefour children: Troy, Holly, Clay and Maygan. His children grew up knowing unrelenting love, somethingthat was freely given in abundance throughout his life. Dean taught his children how to work, look out forthe other guy, be kind, find joy, and follow Christ. When his oldest son, Troy, wanted to raise a pig, Deanwas all in. So much so, that for the next 12 years he dedicated his time and resources to helping raiselivestock in the FFA program and taking them to the Clark County Fair for market. All four children raisedlivestock where he taught them how to work beside him. Words that his own children use to describe himare compassionate, faithful, dedicated, integrous, and unconditionally loving.On August 15 th , 2009, Dean began his life as a grandfather. He would tell anyone that would listen thatthis was living. He loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren are Ethan Shannon, Evan Shannon, LilyWilliams, McKinley Williams, Ila Williams, Clara (CJ) Ratcliffe and William (Bandon) Ratcliffe VI. Deancould be found at his happiest in the company of his grandchildren who were never in want of his loveand affection. Dean was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Ward Clerk, ScoutMaster, Cub Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, home teacher and friend. He had a testimony of JesusChrist. He always thought it was better to follow in his footsteps than to shout it from the rafters. Deanwould go about his day trying to find ways that he could be a follower of Christ by helping others andbring joy to them.Dean is survived by his wife Jaynie, sisters Ila Smith (Val) and Carol Jolley (Bruce), his children, TroyDean Williams, Holly and Bill Ratcliffe, Clayon and Shirley Williams and Maygan and Matthew Shannon,and seven grandchildren.Family and friends will be celebrating Dean's life with a memorial service on Saturday, March 29 th . Theservice will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7101 NE 166 th Ave., Vancouver,WA at 11:00am. All are welcome to come celebrate his life.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, TheAmerican Cancer Society, or the Save the Bees Foundation in memory of G. Dean Williams.

Gilbert D. Williams

August 10, 1956 - February 14, 2025