This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DEAN, SHEPLAR Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/nZB.2ACE/318 Message Board Post: The Hood River County Sun, Hood River, OR., November 11, 1936, page 1 COMMODORE DEAN, ONCE FERRY OPERATOR, PASSES Oliver C. Dean, known to scores of Hood River residents by the affectionate title of “Commodore,” died at his home last night at the age of 86. Dean received the nickname during his 16 years as operator of the Hood River-White Salmon ferry, from 1903 until 1919. Since then he was active until last year by filing saws and sharpening lawnmowers. His old ferryboat, the Ollie S., was named for his granddaughter, Miss Olive Sheplar, at present employed by the Apple Growers association. Although Dean was in poor health for several years preceding his death, his philosophy did not include gloom and growling. He spent a lot of time on the streets of Hood River joking with acquaintances and strangers alike. Only last week Dean managed to get to the polls on election day to cast his ballot, saying he wanted to vote a straight Republican ticket. Dean was born near Hamilton, Ohio, September 15, 1850. He was interested in mining and contracting and had the contract for an early eight-story “skyscraper” in St. Louis. In 1894 he settled in the Willamette valley, and six years later came to Hood River, where he located timber claims and homestead sites until he bought the ferry business. Mrs. Dean died two years ago. Two stepsons, A.J. Sheplar of Hood River and T.F. Sheplar of Portland, survive. Dean was a member of Hood River Masonic lodge, for which he was caretaker for many years. This was posted for reference only. I am not related to, nor am I researching this family. If you have additional information about the person or event listed above, please post it as reply to this message.