The following was written September 2013.
It saddens the hearts of the Lake School community to learn of the passing of Leroy Dean. Leroy Dean was a teacher, principal, and superintendent at Lake Elementary School. He began teaching at Lake in 1966 and retired 32 years later in 1998. Among Leroy's many accomplishments at Lake School were starting the first kindergarten class, buying the first school bus, adding approximately 5 acres to the playground, presiding over the construction of a new school building in 1974, and instituting the Reading Recovery program.
The guiding force behind the success of so many Lake School students was Leroy's philosophy of education. His stress of the basics along with a strong foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics was certainly a major factor in Lake School being named "California Distinguished School" in 1993.
Born and raised in Redmond, OR, Leroy played football and was named to the central Oregon all-star team, wrestled and was district champ for 3 years, and developed a life-long love for hunting and fishing.
In June 2012, with Leroy and his family present, the playground was dedicated in his honor. A bench with the inscription, "To Sir with Love" bears his name as well as the years he dedicated to Lake Elementary School as a teacher, administrator, and a friend.
As family and friends mourn the loss of a great man, they can be comforted in knowing that his legacy will forever live at Lake School.