Gestures
Susan; this is Reuben Presas - San Antonio Tx. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just found Deans obituary because I came across the drumsticks that I used when I took lessons at your home in San Antonio. They were designed by Dean. I so enjoyed lessons with Dean. I started late in my life but Dean treated me with great respect. On Dean’s advise I studied at U of H and then UTSA. I earned a BME from UTSA and a Master of music tech.
I taught middle school for 18 yrs and elementary for 6 more yrs. All while playing in bands to pay for college and perform all over the state and country. I worked in marketing for Remo in LA for 5 yrs. I know how this sounds, but I owe all of my music career to the knowledge and professionalism that I learned from Dean. He really was the best and my favorite music instructor. If it had not been for him I would never have had the wonderful musical life that I still enjoy. I am retired from teaching but I’m still a drummer. I can’t say enough good about Dean.
San Antonio and I are so much richer for having known Dean and his amazing talent. I will continue to remember.
God bless you and all of your family. The musical world has lost a great talent.
Shalom
Dean was a treasure. The world has lost such an inspiring man. We will always be grateful for the blessing of his energy, wisdom, and humor. And of course his music!
I always thought of this passage of holy scripture when I came to know Dean Witten and his convictions:
PS. 26: Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in mine integrity. I have trusted also in the Lord, therefor I shall not slide. Examine me O Lord and prove me; try my heart and my mind.