Dean Wilson Obituary

Dear Nancy and Family, I was saddened to hear Dr Wilson (I always called him Dr Wilson even though I was older) had passed away. He was pivotal in my career progression through Civil Service. He trusted me to do the job in Student Services where I learned so much about teaching, Behavioral Sciences and growing professionally. He was pleasant, quick to smile, willing to listen, and anxious to help anyone get ahead. I will always have happy thoughts about him and my time in DF. Your family should be very proud of him. Nick and Diane Nicoletta, Lakeland FL

Dear Dean, Nancy and Family,

Our lives will not be the same without you, Dean. You have brought a commitment to family country and friends that is a beacon to all who knew you. Additionally, it is said that "memories give us roses in winter." You have left all of us bouquets of memories that will sustain us at difficult times, through your courageous fight with cancer. And, you have left us memories of humor and friendship which will lighten our hearts in many coming occasions. May you now rest in peace, dear friend.

I just heard the news of Dean's passing and am deeply sadden. He was a wonderful man, outstanding boss, and totally dedicated to USAFA and his family. I will forever be greatful for the opportunity he gave me while working in the Registrar's office. My deepest sympathy to Nancy and family.

Dear Nancy and Family,

We just learned of Dean's passing this morning. We send our heartfelt sympathies to each of you. May you find comfort in your fond memories of an extraordinary man. Gregg and I will hold dear the special memories we have of sitting around the dining table at East's enjoying good food, good wine and most of all...good company. We love you!

Well Deano, I can see you running through the gates of heaven and enjoying the peacefulness that you deserve. Since our first connection on the DFBL Faculty in 1977, we have enjoyed a delightful camaraderie via AFA sporting events and our fun dinner group gatherings. You gave all of us inspiration through your fighting spirit = well done dear friend. Your legacy continues.

Dear Dr. Wilson, you meant more to me than you probably ever knew. The way that you embraced me as well as my family will endure throughout my lifetime. I never imagined a man from Montana of all places (smile) would leave such an indelible mark on me. As I sit here writing this note, I can't help but remember our conversations, our laughter, our handshakes, our hugs... you believed in me like no other boss! Oh how I looked forward to returning to the Academy in order to continue making fond memories with you and trying to pay you back for all of the trust & confidence you placed in me. But I recognize that your passing is a sign from the Almighty--a sign that He was desperately in need of an incredibly bright, compassionate, caring, cool and sharp-dressed servant to help shape His kingdom. Love ya, Spence

The Wilson Family is in our prayers. I had the pleasure of knowing Dean & Family since 1994. Dean gave more than he ever took. He epitomized the leadership principle "Take Care of Your People". We will miss you, but always toast you & cherish your memory especially at the AFA tailgates!
With deepest sympathy and the greatest of respect,
Team Wells

I've known Dean since we were young Captains at USAFA in the late 70's. It was hard on him being the smartest guy in the room, but he made it easy on the rest of us because he was also the nicest! I will miss him, USAFA will miss him, our country will miss him! Lt Gen (Ret) John Hopper

My deepest sympathy to the Wilson family.
Dr Wilson was always had a smile and a nice word whenever we met. My prayers are with you during this sad time.

Dr. Wilson was a man of many talents...his leadership is what I will most remember about him. Having worked for and with Dr. Wilson for almost 20 years, I learned so much about being a leader. His inspiration lives on through all of us who worked alongside him. He will be greatly missed.

Although I did not know him well, he always took the time to stop and talk. He always remembered me and what we had talked about the last time we had a few minutes together. I will miss him as will the entire USAFA community.
Phil Stone, athletic trainer

Doc Wilson was an amazing man who touched the lives of thousands of cadets. He was always in your corner providing guidance and support. You were a better person for having Doc in your life. I am eternally grateful that our paths crossed and I will miss him immensely.

Whenever the Pike Elementary staff got together with spouses, Dean was a gracious and fun addition by Nancy's side. We know Nancy was a loving and dedicated helpmate by Dean's side. Our love and prayers are with the entire family.

Dean Wilson always stopped to say hello and ask how things were in people's lives..but more importantly, he LISTENED to your response. We had a lot of great laughs in the weight room at USAFA..will miss him and his kindness and leadership. Thanks for touching my life and my heart..Safe journey

We were surprised to hear of Dean's passing and are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Dr. Wilson made an ever lasting impact on the lives of thousands of cadets at USAFA by providing the example of how to be a great officer and charismatic leader. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to meet him, and thank Cap Hook and the other Grim Reapers from the class of '96 for that introduction. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.

Dr. Wilson made a lasting impression in my life as a Coach as I know he did daily in the lives of Cadets. He will be missed on earth but Heaven is gaining an angel.
God bless,
Penny Lucas-White

Truly saddened by the news of Dr. Wilson... he was a wonderful mentor, a superb leader, and I was honored to serve with him. I am grateful for his service to the nation and to USAFA, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Here's a toast...

Dr. Wilson was the measure of a man. His constant care and concern for those around him was an inspiration. It was an honor to know him and his legacy will live on through the thousands and thousands of men and women he affected.

Dr. Wilson was always a pleasure to work with on his USAFA tickets. I first met Dr. Wilson when I worked in the Football Department in the mid 90's. He had the most wonderful spirit. He will be missed here greatly!!! I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.

God blessed me with the opportunity to meet one of the best men and leaders this world has ever seen. And he gave me an opportunity to serve him and the Academy, and to learn from him. He always thought about and cared for people like me (people who struggled and needed a little extra help and love). There is no doubt that the Academy is a better place because of Dr. Wilson. And, I am a better person/leader because of Dr. Wilson. I'll miss you.

Tyron and Hassain Wright

I will never forget Dr. Dean Wilson. He was a true leader who left a positive impression on others. My first published USAF textbook had some mistakes and he just chuckled about it and provided me with so much inspiration! My wife and I loved this man and we will miss him dearly. Our heartfelt prayers go out to Nancy and the entire Wilson family.

Since first meeting Dean upon my arrival at USAFA in 1987, he was a true friend, colleague, and mentor. Working together over 16 years with Dean on many cadet-focused projects and committees, he always put the cadet's best interest first and worked tirelessly on their behalf. Dean was a true gentleman and leader in every respect and exemplified a life of service, honor, and integrity. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to Nancy and his family. God bless you. Dean is truly missed by all.

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather, openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. It has been a true honor to have served with you. I will cherish the memories. My prayers go to the entire Wilson family.

How do I say goodbye to someone who played such an important role in my professional life? I am so sad. My heart aches for Nancy and the entire family. Will remember the good times.

I met Dean in Ubon Thailand in 1972 - he was the best Intel Office in SEA - always prepared and gave us aircrews his very best everyday. Then in 1976, we served together on the USAFA faculty. No one was more committed to the cadets and the USAFA institution. He fought cancer like a warrior and modeled the courage that we will all need someday. I will dearly miss you Deano!

You all are in our thoughts and prayers

I was very sad to hear of Dr Wilson's passing. My deepest condolences go out to the Wilson family. Though I only knew him a few short years, he seemed like a wonderful person. I know he will be deeply missed.

We are deeply saddened by the home going of our precious friend Dr Wilson, but we know that he is in the arms of a Loving God, pain free. We love Dr Wilson as if he were family because that is how he loved us. We love you Boss and will miss you always.

With all the love we have,
Jackie and Laura