Dean Rosswell Smith

Dean Rosswell Smith

Cache Valley lost one of her greatest admirers on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Dean Rosswell Smith, 98, was born on June 15, 1914, in Logan, Utah to Captain James A. and Lauretta Mitchell Smith. He was raised in his most favorite place in the world—Cache Valley.

For many years friends, neighbors, and business acquaintances throughout the state of Utah knew Dean as “Mr. Cache Valley.” His appointment as Executive Director of the Cache Chamber of Commerce in 1954 began a successful career promoting Cache Valley, culminating 32 years later upon his retirement. Dean was instrumental in recruiting many of the industries currently located here. He assisted such operations as Pepperidge Farms, Wurlitzer, Hesston Corp., Bourns, Schreiber Foods, Gossner Foods, and Moore Business Forms (now RR Donnelly) find a home in Cache Valley. Dean is well remembered for his dedication and love for the valley as he served many years as a Cache County Commissioner.

For more than 30 years he worked to enhance the Cache County Fair and Rodeo, serving as the Fair Manager for most of those years. He was appointed by Governor Scott Matheson to serve on the board of directors for the Utah State Fair. Dean was an integral part of the development of the Cache Valley Dairy Princess Pageant, which features some of Cache Valley’s beautiful young women and highlights the valley’s agricultural and dairy heritage.

Dean was also a long-time member of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. Throughout his career he served with many organizations, including the Salt Lake City Advisory Council of Small Business Administration, Board of Directors of Western Retail Association, Utah Council of Retailers, Cache-Rich Tourist Council, and the Governor’s State Beautification Council, to name a few. Because of his dedication and love of Cache Valley and Utah, Dean frequently worked on or participated in projects with several of the state’s governors, state senators and representatives, as well as many local and area politicians.

Dean loved sports and excelled on the football field and the softball diamond. He was an avid follower of Utah State Aggie sports throughout his life. He met his future bride, Lois Britzell, while coaching a women’s softball team. After a brief courtship, Dean and Lois married in the Logan LDS temple on June 14, 1942. Their marriage spanned 67 years until Lois passed away in 2009. Dean and Lois made their home in Logan where they raised their five children: Linda (Vern, deceased) Dabb, Marcia (Wayne) Merrill, Jim (Suzanne), Michael (Terry), and Tab (Brenda). Dean was proud to be “Grandpa Deano” to 16 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. He loved his family and his Heavenly Father. He served in the bishopric of the 17th Ward, on the high council of the Cache Stake, and as a dedicated home teacher for more than 60 years.

Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Family and friends may also call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the mortuary.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to the many friends and neighbors who touched Dad’s heart with their love and compassion. A special note of gratitude and thanks goes to the wonderful staff of the Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center and Access Home Health and Hospice. Interment will be in the Logan Cemetery.