Dean W. Switzer, 90, of Hobe Sound Florida, passed away on August 5, 2022.  Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he also lived in East Grand Rapids, Lakeview, Frakenmuth, Grand Blanc, Flint, Traverse City, Boca Raton, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Gainesville, Venice, Nokomis, Niceville, Destin, Jupiter, Port St Lucie and Hobe Sound;  he had been a mostly-retired resident of Florida for the last  23 years.

Prior to retiring he was a telecommunications executive for Mitel, British Telecom, OKI Electronics, RCA and a number of his own companies (including ComNet Telephone Engineering Services, TPI and Executone) for over 30 years after growing up farming and rising from an entry level position with Michigan Bell in the motor pool and later as lineman and sales.  During the Korean War he served in the US Coast Guard, including as helmsman and cook on USCG Tamaroa WMEC-166.

He was raised in Grand Rapids and Lakeview, Michigan.  So many of his work and service acquaintances became lifelong friends, same as those he grew up with or otherwise met along the way.  With them and his family he enjoyed boating in everything from a jon boat to the Mother Shucker, sailing with the motor on, fishing trips ranging from Canada to the Big Lake, Grand Haven and White Lake, the Pere Marquette river, to Bimini and the Florida Keys.  He won a bowling trophy at a golf tournament.  Though he spent time afield with bow, long gun and handgun, most trophies proved elusive due to the scent of hot chocolate and butterscotches.

He enjoyed tailgating and attending football games at Michigan, Michigan State and University of Florida.  He had a number of RVs for these adventures within Michigan and those back and forth to Florida.  He was constantly buying cars, endlessly badgering fellow salesmen (and usually besting them).  He was constantly driving cars, either back and forth across or up and down the state for work; back and forth to night school at Western Michigan; lunch at Rockford Bar, Fricano's or Notos; a quick weekend fishing trip to the Keys; dinner in Gainesville; or just a two hour drive for breakfast on any random Sunday.  He worked tirelessly for his family, always doing what he thought was right at the time.  He saw Elvis and Sinatra.  For better or worse, he did it his way.

He is survived by his wife Sandi, son Michael Switzer and daughter Susie Singer; as well as children Victor Switzer, Mark Switzer, Kimberly Spaulding and Bonnie Bowen; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his younger brother Charles.  He was preceded in death by his father William, sister Joyce, mother Susie, and brother Marvin.

His life spanned some one-third that of the Country.  He vividly recalled listening to the Pearl Harbor attack on the radio.  He remembered the end of the Great Depression, how hard and tirelessly his father worked, and the dignity of that work.  Even so, he remembered bare cupboards and the unavailability of food during those times.  For those who wish, contributions may be made in his name to the Lakeview Food Pantry (Lakeview Area Ministerial Association, PO Box 272, Lakeview, MI 48850).