Dean Ovitt
1954 - 2013
We are all better people for having loved Dean Ovitt, 59, who passed away May 20, 2013, in Dillon, following a heroic effort to conquer melanoma.
Dean was born in Dillon on February 16, 1954. He grew up in Boulder with his parents, Felma and Amil Herseim, and nine siblings.
He met his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Mary Catherine Keating, in elementary school. Dean graduated from Jefferson High School in Boulder and studied business at the University of Montana and Idaho State University.
Dean and Mary were married in Boulder, on July 13, 1974, and lived in Missoula before moving in 1978 to Burley, ID, where they were blessed with two daughters.
Dean enjoyed a successful sales career in Burley. His success continued in Dillon as the general manager of Big Sky Motors and later as business manager at Intermountain Irrigation.
Dean lived his life with a commitment to family and friends, a passion for golf and heartfelt generosity to his community. Dean was the recipient of many community service awards, including the Dillon Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year, the 2008 UM Western Alumni Service Award and recognition by the Beaverhead Golf Course for his successful fundraising.
He was a man of achievement and optimism who loved life.
Dean is survived by: his wife, Mary; daughters Kate (Curtis) Hitchcock and Mandy (Mike) Lee; mother Felma Herseim; sister Vicki (George) Taylor; brother Richard; step-siblings Lynette Dougherty, Pam Schleicher and Gary Herseim; and Norman Ovitt.
Dean was preceded in death by: his dad, Amil; sister Valerie; brothers Dale and Don; and step-brothers Bob and Craig.
The family is grateful for the expertise and compassion of the professionals at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and hospice care provided by Dr. Karen Weed, Kelly Osborne and Marie Holt of Barrett Memorial.
A memorial service was held Monday, May 27, at 3 p.m. in the Keltz Arena on the University of Montana Western campus. Memorials may be made to UM Western Foundation, Huntsman Cancer Foundation or Barrett Memorial Hospice.
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