Dean A. “Deano” Johnson always found the fun in everything. A simple man who never asked for much, he was giving of himself, and would do anything for anyone. Although quiet by nature, Deano appreciated a good joke, and found joy in sharing a good laugh. He loved his family more than anything, and possessed the heart of a loving teddy bear. Although life brought forth its share of diffi culties for Dean, he had eventually found an inner peace. He left us too soon, yet his caring and loving ways will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Just as the winter snows were laying a foundation for a long Michigan winter ahead, Deano’s story began in 1959 as the nation celebrated Alaska and Hawaii joining the United States. Disney introduced its classic Sleeping Beauty, and Barbie made her debut. During these days of innocence, the fabric of America was dampened by growing tensions overseas as the U.S. prepared for its involvement in Vietnam, along with what was known as, “the day the music died”, when beloved musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper were killed in a fateful plane crash. Even in the midst of these changing times, along the lakeshore town of Muskegon, Michigan, Robert Arnold and Mary Alice (Tobey) Johnson had joyous reasons for celebration with the birth of their son Dean Arnold Johnson on December 12, 1959. Dean, or Deano as he was affectionately called, grew up with siblings Linda, Rick, Dale, Sue and Dawn. His father, who called him Peanut early on, supported his family as a laborer at Muskegon Piston Ring, while his mother was a homemaker; sadly, she died when Deano was 12 years old. With his father striving to make a good life for his family, Deano enjoyed a typical childhood growing up. Experiencing the many adventures that young boys often do, Dean and his brother Dale were known to share a few laughs using their sister Dawn as a target, much to her dismay. Deano attended Bunker Elementary School and later, Bunker Junior High. Even though he never attended high school, Dean eventually received his G.E.D. On the heels of an economic recession, Dean and his brother Rick set out for Texas in the hopes of fi nding work. They indeed found work on a farm for an older single lady where Dean was handy working there and maintaining the farm equipment. Before long, Rick returned to Michigan, while Dean continued to work on the farm, remaining in Texas before he too returned home to Michigan. Throughout his life, Deano was a well liked and fun guy to be around. He was often called “Rhino” by his brothers Rick and Dale, and others eventually picked up on it as well. He would also be referred by the name “Everready Bunny” because he kept going and going with everything he did. He loved camping and hunting, enjoyed riding mini-bikes and motorcycles, and favored the sounds of country music. With a talent for working with his hands, Dean also enjoyed working on cars and other mechanical things. At heart, Deano was just a big teddy bear who loved hugs. He would do anything for anyone, anytime it was needed. Never one to complain, he never asked for much either. Even though Dean was typically quiet by nature, he loved to laugh and joke around, and had a great sense of humor. He loved children and animals, especially his cat, Taffy. His friendly demeanor allowed him to be quite charming, and he knew how to warm a woman’s heart, too. A strong and healthy guy throughout most of his life, Dean worked for R & R Tree Service before later becoming medically disabled. With a few hard times and sometimes down on his luck, Dean experienced diffi culty fi nding his way in life. About fi ve years ago, Dean spent time at Teen Challenge. It was during his stay there that Dean found peace within himself, receiving the Lord into his life, and took on the challenge of earning his G.E.D. It was truly a new beginning for Dean until three years ago when he began having some medical issues. His needs required him to have skilled nursing care, but his friendly ways continued to be evident as the many nurses and staff there readily became attached to him. On Saturday, May 30, 2009, Dean Arnold “Deano” Johnson died peacefully at the age of 49. He will be fondly remembered and lovingly missed by those who knew and loved him. Deano is survived by his father, Robert Johnson of Muskegon; siblings, Linda (Carey) Kempker of Muskegon, Rick (Anita) Johnson of Muskegon, Dale (Julie) Johnson of Twin Lake, Sue (Scott) Carroll of Muskegon, and Dawn (Tom) Gzym of Fruitport; stepmother, Patricia Johnson of Muskegon; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Friends can meet with his family on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Teen Challenge. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or to sign his online guest book..