Dean Ohanian

1957-2011

Dean Ohanian was born and raised in Burbank, attended Edison ES, Luther Burbank JHS and graduated John Burroughs HS in 1975. Dean was an outstanding swimmer; he won many ribbons and trophies in competitions for the Burbank YMCA and Burroughs Swim Teams. He also played water polo in high school and later for Humboldt State University. 

Dean loved to travel and was fortunate to journey to England, France, Switzerland, Italy and Mexico in his lifetime. 

Dean was an avid sportsman who loved camping, hiking and fishing.  His love for the outdoors began at age 7 when he hiked 60 miles from Devil’s Postpile to Yosemite.  At 12, he hiked to the top of Half Dome and in 1969 Dean completed the211 mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney.  Dean reached the summit of Mt. Whitney again in 2005, a very proud accomplishment.

Dean was a lifetime Boy Scout beginning in Burbank Troop 1 which later became Troop 201.  He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1974.  Dean helped his son Kenny become an Eagle Scout.  Recently, he was Chaplin for Troop 500 in Reno and was helping his son Alex, currently a Life Scout, to become an Eagle as well.

Dean was a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America.  For the last 35 years he appraised, manufactured and repaired jewelry, the family trade.

Dean maintained close friendships with many people, some he has known since grade school.

Dean suffered from seizures which recently became more frequent and severe.  On Friday December 2, 2011 his body could endure no more; he passed away and went to be with the Lord.  Dean was a devout Christian.

He is survived by his wife Judy, sons Kenny and Alex, his father Serge, sisters Nancy and Priscilla, two grand-daughters and many, many more family and friends.

A memorial service was held on December 17, 2011 in Reno, Nevada where he has lived for about 30 years.  Rest in Peace Dean.