Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Your Wednesday evening update on Salem news

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Good evening, Salem.

A retired fire captain who served Salem for more than three decades died last week from occupational cancer, the Salem Fire Department announced Wednesday.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Capt. Larry Dean, 64, began working for Salem in 1987 and served in nearly every role in the department, including technical rescue, search and rescue, water rescue, SWAT, rescue boat operator and wildland engine boss. He trained many new employees and worked as a medical evaluator.

Dean retired in 2018 and moved to Wyoming to enjoy the great outdoors, according to his obituary. He died Sept. 13. in Salem.

“Despite Larry’s remarkable professional achievements, he excelled even more as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend,” his family wrote in his obituary.

“His zest for life and adventure was contagious, and he delighted in sharing that passion with everyone around him. His diverse interests included activities that could connect with anyone he met, from camping, hunting, and fishing to scuba diving, hiking, and many other hobbies. Larry’s talents were unlimited—whether it was baking biscuits and scones in the morning, assisting a friend in the afternoon, or crafting baby cradles or a new bow in the evening.”

He is survived by his wife, Kaare Dean, his three children, two grandchildren, mother, sister, and two brothers.

Dean’s funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. at Morning Star Community Church, 4775 27th Ave S.E. It is open to the public and members of the firefighting community.

His family has requested donations to the Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Here’s some of today’s news. You can read all our latest coverage anytime on our website.

www.salemreporter.com

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Meet the South, McKay seniors advising the Salem-Keizer School Board

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Advocates say changes would unfairly restrict the flow of mail between families and people in prison.

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www.salemreporter.com

Marion County Sustainable Business Network to put on second sustainability summit 

Marion County’s sustainability program, , formerly EARTHWise, is hosting a free gathering to help businesses become more environmentally friendly and cut costs at the Keizer Civic Center at 930 Chemawa…

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