Obituary of John Kenneth Dean

OAK HILL - John Kenneth Dean, 74, known as Ken, died peacefully on Thursday April 6, 2017 at Albany Medical Center from the effects of a stroke. Born to Dr. Donald J. Dean and Jane Caryl Dean in Albany, Ken grew up in Altamont, NY. Due to his father's assignments with the World Health Organization, as a teenager Ken was fortunate to travel extensively and experience living in other countries, inspiring his unique view of the world. In particular, the incredible beauty of the botanical gardens in Geneva, Switzerland, left Ken with a lifelong passion for rare and unusual plants. A career as an Assistant Botanist for the New York State Museum doing important field work with many resulting publications fulfilled a dream. Ken's mind also found expression in the world of chess. His association with the online International Chess Team resulted in several notable wins and published games. Not burdened by typical social conventions, Ken was respected for his piercing intellect and knowledge. A conversation with Ken could be a surprising experience. He was cherished for his disarming and sometimes disconcerting sense of humor, which he considered his best revenge against circumstance. He is survived by his brother Donald C. Dean of Lake George, NY; and three nieces, Kathryn Dean of New York, NY, Elizabeth Rawitsch of Wilmington, NC, and Emily Rawitsch of Belmont, MA. Ken's family would especially like to thank the medical and social work staff at Albany Medical Center for their unbelievable kindness and care. There will be a brief Memorial Remembrance on Saturday June 10, 2017 at 2pm, at 7901 Route 81, Oak Hill, NY. Your kind thoughts are appreciated in lieu of flowers. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.