Dean A, Palin, 99, of Derby, VT passed away on November 12, 2023, in Lyndon Center, VT. He was born September 20, 1924, on the family farm, a stone's throw from the Canadian border in Derby Line, to the late Arthur and Mildred (Gray) Palin. On November 13, 1954, he married his dear "Janie," Janice Gray, who survives him. They were married for one day short of 69 years. They lived for over 60 years in their little red brick home in Derby where they raised three children.  Every summer, Dean and Jan packed up the kids and headed to their beloved camp on Seymour Lake. The crystal-clear water of Seymour cooled him off many nights after a long, hot day in the hay field. At night, Mom and Dad held court as a multitude of family and friends dropped in to visit at the green camp.

Dean was a 1942 graduate of Derby Academy where he was voted Senior Class President. He served in the U.S.  Army enlisting after WWII. He returned home to work on the family farm and dairy with his parents and brother Jim, delivering milk throughout the county as A.S. Palin and Sons. In the late 1940s they moved to a farm in Newport City and built a brand-new modern dairy in 1950 known as Elmwood Dairy which they owned and operated for many years.    In addition to operating the dairy, he helped operate the family jersey farm.

In addition to his time working at the farm and dairy, he found time to use his other talents. He was very musical and loved to sing and play the violin. For many years he played in the orchestra for the North Country High School musicals. He was chosen to sing at the Allstate Music Festival in high school, sang with the Northsong chorus, and greatly enjoyed being a member of the United Church of Newport choir. He had a beautiful baritone voice and was asked to sing at many weddings and funerals. He was a Red Cross blood donor who joined the Three Gallon Club in 1958 and continued to donate for many years thereafter. He was a member of the American Legion Post #21 in Newport.

Dean was known for his calm demeanor, dry wit and, of course, his distinct and magnificent moustache. When this moustache was combined with cowboy boots, a red bowtie and a stylish suit, Dean cut quite the handsome figure.

Dean also loved to travel and made many sojourns through the years. In his twenties he traveled to Europe by ship to visit his friend and hunting buddy Arthur Judd. Early in their marriage, he and Jan traveled cross country twice to see his brother Doug and visit the west coast. Later, despite thinking he was not amounting to much, they wintered in Florida for many years, and had many enjoyable excursions with John and Marge Flood including England and France, Alaska, Bermuda, and a train trip across Canada.

For those that knew him, Dean was a mentor, confidante, friend, father, and most important, one half of a 69-year love story with his devoted wife, Janice.

He is also survived by his three children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. They include his daughter Oralie Lefaivre and her husband Larry of Lyndon Center, VT, granddaughter Libby and grandson Sam; son Bill Palin and his wife Brenda of Barre, VT, granddaughter Chelsea, granddaughter Kiley (Kileybug), and great granddaughter Bryn, and granddaughter Ali; and son Tom Palin and his wife Darlene Powers of Essex, VT, and grandson Tanner and grandson Marsh, as well as his brother Douglas Palin and his wife Emma of Tallahassee, FL.

He was predeceased by his brother James Palin and sister Polly Caputo.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 2, 12:00 pm at the United Church of Newport.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the United Church of Newport. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home and Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.