Dean Winfield Hovencamp

Dean Winfield Hovencamp, 86, passed away peacefully on June 13 in Sun Valley, Idaho, surrounded by his family.

Dean was born on Feb. 18, 1939, in Elmira, New York. He was the baseball-loving, golf playing, strong-willed, mischievous and athletic son of Jackson and Gladys Hovencamp, the cherished grandson of Grandma Oheany, and proud big brother to Deanna.

A 1961 graduate of Syracuse University, Dean was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He put himself through college by managing bands, supplying kegs for parties and pulling late-night shifts building the railroad. After graduation, he honorably served his country in Korea with the Army and remained an active member of the American Legion.

Dean met Bonnie Seeman during his senior year at Syracuse on the steps of his fraternity house. That meeting marked the start of a love story that spanned more than 60 years. Dean and Bonnie made homes in many places over the years—San Francisco, Sun Valley and New Orleans are their most cherished—building lasting friendships and community. New Orleans held a special place in Dean’s heart. He embraced Southern life, learning to perfect a roux, his “famous” jambalaya and BBQ shrimp.

Dean’s daughters, Kristin and Kasey, were the center of his world. He was always eager to share his curiosity, humor, love of the outdoors and zest for life. Each daughter carries with her special memories, traits and life lessons passed down from having a dad like Dean. The family grew to include Kasey’s partner, Mike Fox, and his daughter Harper.

Dean spent his career as an executive with Xerox Corporation and later brought his leadership skills and business expertise to Aetna U.S. Healthcare, where he continued to make an impact until retirement.

Service was always central to Dean’s life, the importance of which he passed on to his daughters. He also loved organizing gatherings with friends, golf trips and sailing adventures. He was always up for a party, happily cooking his favorite dishes (even if he occasionally forgot something on the grill). He faithfully attended Church of the Big Wood, never missing the donuts afterward.

Dean’s home was filled with music, art, a collection of cowboy hats, something always cooking, his faithful dog, and the news channel playing at full volume. His sharp wit, generous spirit and need to add olives to every dish left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to be part of his world. He taught us how to work hard, live fully and always make time for a good story.