Dean joined the Tulsa Area Iris Society in 1977. He also maintained membership in several other regional Iris clubs.

He grew almost 3,000 varieties of Tall Bearded Iris in his garden which was open for public viewing. Dean delighted in showing visitors around.

He won Queen of Show 20 times during his exhibition career, always with a different variety. In three different years he won Queen of Show at both shows. He won the Silver Medal for most blue ribbons at a show at least 24 times and he always strived to enter the maximum of 25 Iris in TAIS competitions. He always hoped to win 25 Blue Ribbons. While this goal escaped him, he did win 24 at one show.

Dean graciously performed the duties of Show Chairman and Sale Chairman many times.

Recently he started hybridizing and had 5 seedlings on display at the 2003 National AIS Convention.

Dean was a mentor to many of us, and a good friend to all of us. We'll miss you, Dean.