Habbart W. Dean, 82

BISHOPVILLE - Habbart W. Dean, died early Good Friday, April 10, 2009, in Berlin Rehabilitation Center, Berlin. He was well cared for in his final days by family, friends and caring companions. He was 82. Habbart was born April 19, 1926 in Cambridge, to the late Virgil and Gladys (Jones) Dean. Mr. Dean was with State of Maryland from 1961-1982 and began his role as the Assistant Superintendent at Deer's Head Center in Salisbury from 1966 until his retirement. After graduation from Cambridge High School, Mr. Dean served in the U.S. Navy. His tour of duty took him to New Guinea and The Philippine Islands. After his discharge, he returned to Cambridge, married and started a family. He worked for a number of years with his late uncle, Calvin Dean of Dean's Furniture. A lifelong sense of humor served him well even during his final days. He was witnessed making jokes with those around him literally hours before he died. Habbart spent many years sailing, fishing and boating. He even exchanged fishing stories with one of his doctors within the last couple of weeks. His love of chocolate, pound cake along with other desserts was widely known amongst his family and friends. After his retirement from the State of Maryland in 1982, he successfully transitioned to ultimately being recognized as a world class decorative bird carver. He had many mentors who encouraged him along the way, including the late Lem Ward. Habbart always spoke fondly of those who ushered him into this very rewarding phase of life. From fellow carvers to collectors, his relationships covered the earth. He acknowledged the irony of becoming a sought out teacher of fellow carvers in Japan, when decades earlier he had been among the opposing U.S. forces in World War II. He loved teaching others, regardless of their ages or ability. His students were from the U.S., Canada, England, China and Japan. One fellow carver commented recently that "Habbart gave me permission to carve." He was very involved with the Ward Museum and served for 13 years as a trustee. He was very active with the fundraising efforts that led to the museum on Schumaker Drive. In addition to being a loving friend and father, Mr. Dean loved his role as "Pop Pop" to his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Gladys; his brothers, Alton and Austin; along with Austin's infant twin brother. He is survived by his sons, Rodney C. Dean of Bishopville, and Edward J. Dean of Salisbury; and grandchildren, Marissa, Rod, Joshua, Gavin, Brittany and Stacy. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury. Interment was at Dorchester Memorial Park in Cambridge. Memorial contributions can be made to Zion United Methodist Church, 612 Locust St., Cambridge, MD 21613; or The Ward Museum, 909 S. Schumaker Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804; or St. Paul's By the Sea Episcopal Church, 302 N. Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family visit www.hollowayfh.com.