Self-taught artist, born and lived in Grassington, North Yorkshire. He was a notable painter of his home area, producing large oils as well as piano key ivory miniatures. He trained as a master butcher, worked in farming and the building trade and was an experienced dry stone waller. Took up painting after leaving the Army in 1950. Dean was a fellow of the British Society of Painters and a member of RMS and SM. Shell Oil and John Ward Textiles hold his work.