Dr. Charles Dean Spurgin, 89, of Helena passed away of natural causes on April 19, 2013. Dean was born December 1, 1923 in Billings, Mt., the child of Charles and Fern (Gooding) Spurgin. He graduated from Billings, High School in 1941. He began his pre-medical courses, but was delayed due to World War II when he entered the Navy Flight program. After completing his flight training in 1944, he was commissioned an Ensign and assigned to Banana River Florida to pilot the PBM for a newly formed Air Rescue Squadron. Dean was active in the battles of Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. For his bravery in air-sea rescue of downed pilots, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. Citations read “for his actions in landing in heavy seas under constant enemy fire to rescue flyers who planes had been downed by enemy fire.”
Dean returned to Billings and married Billie Lee Moss on July 23, 1945. They were married for 63 loving years. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska where Dean attended Dental School at Creighton University graduating in 1950. After taking the State Board, Billie and Dean moved to Helena where they spent their life raising three children. For 37 years Dean was very active in the practice of Dentistry being elected three times as President of the local Dental Society. He enjoyed his church activities at St Helena and St. Mary’s. He joined the Kiwanis Club in 1956 and later elected President in 1965. He stayed active in Kiwanis for over 30 years.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife Billie (2011). Dean is survived by his three Children: Terrie (Frank) Preite of Missoula, Steve Spurgin of Helena, and Pam Spurgin of Aloha, Oregon.
Dr. Spurgin’s memorial service will be 12:10 PM, Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Community. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to your charity of choice. A private Interment is being scheduled for a later date.
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Pat Robinson says
My memories of Dean are wonderful. I spent many happy times in the Spurgin home and he always treated me like another daughter.. and he actually appreciated our humor.
He was the best dentist I ever had and one of the kindest men I have ever known. I know he is visiting with my Dad right now, reliving Kiwanis memories. Love you, Dean
Pat and Tom Robinson
Marla Jacoby says
I grew up in the same neighborhood as the Spurgin family lived in Helena, though I only really knew Steve as an adult, so to the entire family I send my condolences, but to Steve I say I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Marla Jacoby