Dean Haven Stanchfield

These are the posts everyone hates making. I'm sure in time I will think of more to add, but for now, here is a brief slice from an extraordinary life...

"Dean Haven Stanchfield
Dean Haven Stanchfield passed away at his home in Wise River, Tuesday night. He was born November 26, 1940, and died December 23, 2025, age 85 after a brief time in hospice.
But these are just numbers. It is the life between the dates that matter, and Dean lived a very full one indeed. He grew up on the family ranch in Wise River, graduated from Beaverhead County High School where he played football, and to everyone's amazement, tuba in the marching band. More importantly, it is where he fell in love with his future wife, Eddie Lou Dupuis. They were married 64 years and raised three children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and neighbors who were always a part of their lives. He raised cattle his entire life, still helping out on the ranch until only a few months ago when his health made that impossible.
He was a man of varied interests and passions, as talented with a pair of dowsing rods as he was with a rope or a welder. He loved the outdoors, whether fishing, hunting or just doing a little gopher shooting, but especially loved the time he spent on horseback up in the hills gathering cattle. He was fascinated with mining and geology as well as local history and lore. An avid reader, his house resembled a library after a whirlwind had passed through it, often remarking that he did all of his traveling through books. He was a member of the Beaverhead County Weed Board, and helped establish the annual Weed Whackers Ball as well as spending many hours with a spray-wand in hand. A man of strong faith, he served numerous times on the Church of the Bighole Session and Pastor Seeking Committees, all while somehow managing to attend church as little as possible. He was also a cast member of the Crazy Coyote Players, a fan favorite known more for forgetting his lines than delivering them. He loved visiting with friends and strangers alike and his house was an oasis of hospitality, just as long as Eddie Lou was there to provide it!
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Evelyn Stanchfield, his brother Frank Stanchfield, and more friends than most could count. He is survived by his sister Sharon Reynolds, his wife Eddie Lou, sons Justin (Connie) Stanchfield, Matthew (Michele) Stanchfield and daughter Mikal Reese, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren Caleb Reese, Tyson Reese, Shealan Lange, Colter Dean Stanchfield, Rachel Stanchfield, Jed and Bowen Reese and Juliet and Sylvia Lange.
We would like to thank all of the medical people who helped care for and carry him through his long, and often bone-shattered life, and especially thank the people at Trek Hospice for their recent care. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. To all of you who knew him, thank you for being so much a part of his life
The world is smaller without him in it. "

Thank you all for being a part of his life. If anyone would like to make a donation in his memory, his favorite charity was St Judes Children's Hospitals

Take care, and give those you love an extra hug tonight.