Dean Jaros

Dean Jaros passed away November 4, 2011 peacefully at home surrounded by family, after a courageously fought battle with lymphoma. Born August 23rd, 1938 in Racine WI, Dr. Dean Jaros began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, then went on to become a scholar, a professor at Vanderbilt and University of Kentucky, an author and Dean of the Graduate School at Colorado State University, from which he retired in 1999. Dean advocated for access to higher education and learning for rural families and those who may not have channels to explore the world around them. Dean authored several books. His earlier works focused on political science with his most well know text in academia, The Socialization of Politics. More recently Dean published Hero's Without Legacy, a tribute to women in aviation. Dean had many passions throughout his life, all having an underlying theme of exploration and enrichment. From early childhood he was fascinated with aviation. He became a pilot, then built and flew airplanes. His happiest times were flying the Mooney with his wife, Jan. Together they ventured all over the US, Alaska, and Mexico. He was very active in The Colorado Pilots Association, where he made many friends and participated in numerous fly-ins nationwide. The study of history was a hobby for Dean which meshed perfectly with his love of travel. His interests varied during his life, but Mayan Culture was has been a favorite area of research. He has had many adventures in Guatemala and other parts of Central America. Another area of interest and discovery was the Czech Republic, from which his relatives emigrated. Dean learned much about the life and culture of his forbearers on a trip to the Czech Republic in 2003. His daughters promised to carry on this legacy with a trip to the old country in the very near future. Dean is survived by his wife, Jan Mackenzie; his brother, Kenneth Jaros, Karen; his daughters, Cynthia Gwash, Gregory, Lisa Delaney, Patrick; and grandchildren, Jeffrey, Emily, and Ben. He will be eternally missed. Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.

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Dean Jaros

August 23, 1938 - November 4, 2011