Gregory Dean Obituary

Gregory Lee Dean
December 6, 1945 - December 21, 2021
Watsonville, CA
Greg was born in Santa Cruz, California and lived there with his family until they moved to Watsonville in 1953. He attended local schools, including Watsonville High School where he graduated in 1963. He was involved in various sports activities there, and was the captain of the swim team his senior year.
After high school Greg expanded on his interest in music by forming a rock band, which featured a dynamic 13 year old drummer, and that performed all over California. This experience led Greg to become a rock concert promoter – his concerts showcasing some of the biggest names in rock music during the 1960s and 1970s.
It was during this period, while earning a business degree from Cabrillo College, that Greg, who always enjoyed working with wood, began to create art pieces from turn of the century, recycled barn wood, and then to market these one of a kind pieces. Greg's cabinets and furniture were so exceptional and distinctive they were featured in a Sunset Magazine article. Greg then, along with a couple local artist friends, opened a gallery in Corralitos, CA – the "Grapevine", renowned for offering unique hand crafted furniture - crafted in-house by the gallery owners, and special works of art on consignment by other artist in the area.
In the 1980s Greg became a licensed General Contractor in Santa Cruz County where he worked with clients in the area and beyond. Greg continued in this line of work, as a gifted artist and craftsman until his retirement in 2016.
Greg passed away after a lengthy, but brave journey with cancer. Greg leaves his wife Sandra, daughter Kelly Barreto (Pablo), son Seth Dean (Delma), step-sons Mike and Aaron Locke-Paddon, a brother Fred Perez (Nancy), and sisters Kathryn Perez, Candee (Bob) Silveria , and Kindra Dean, along with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves many dear friends and loved ones, including life-long friends George Locke-Paddon and Linda Dean.
For many years Greg has been a member of the Rod and Gun Club, located at Kelly Lake. Earlier in his life, Greg made his home on the lake where many cherished memories were created. While living there, Greg was well known for hosting unforgettable parties, and an annual epic fireworks show on 4th of July.
A Celebration of Greg's Life will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022. You may contact his daughter Kelly, via email at [email protected] to receive more information on the celebration.
We will keep laughing and loving, just as you taught us, you crazy ol' hippie. You are a legend. Until we meet again...


View the online memorial for Gregory Lee Dean