Dean M. Buff, 77, a 10-year resident of Oak Harbor, died suddenly on Nov. 28, at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville. He was born in Kellogg, Idaho on Dec. 15, 1927. Dean’s father was a railroad worker and raised him as a single parent, traveling between Kellogg and Spokane.

Dean quit high school to join the U. S. Navy during World War II and served as a Pharmacist Mate. He completed boot camp in Farragut, Idaho. After the war, he returned to Washington. He was married to Elizabeth I. “Betty” Crow in Yakima on April 6, 1947.

Dean began a banking career with Seafirst Bank. He started as a bank messenger and coin roller. He worked very hard to better himself and began to advance through the banking system. His career took him to Toppenish, Olympia, Wenatchee, Seattle, Port Angeles and Everett. He retired from Seafirst (now Bank of America) as a vice president.

Following retirement, Dean and Betty became snowbirds and spent several years in Mesa, Ariz. During his time in Arizona, he took up silversmithing and lapidary. He also became an amateur radio operator. With Betty’s failing health, Dean and Betty moved to Oak Harbor to be with family. For the past several years, he had been a resident of Regency of Oak Harbor.

Dean was a life-member of the Masonic Lodge 112, F&AM of Wenatchee, American Legion, George Morris Post 129 of Oak Harbor and a Life Member of the Scottish Rite of Seattle.

Dean is survived by three children and their spouses: Janice L. and Ron Ernst of Oak Harbor; Steven E. and JoAnn Buff of Langley,; and Beth-Ann and Robert Peterson of Kent. Nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive. His wife Betty preceded him in death in 1994.

Funeral services were held Dec. 3 at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, with Pastor Larry Rector officiating. Burial followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorials may be made to the Forgotten Children’s Fund, Island County, PO Box 1527, Coupeville, WA 98239. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.