Lenny Dean dies at 81

[LS1Heli]

Thats too bad. Never met the guy but from what I understand was a superb individual and the last "link" to the Cowen area. The last true postwar guy to go. It's horrible.

[wrmcclellan]

Lenny was a great guy. He always had a kind word and was happy to pose for photos, sign autographs, etc. His health had been failing over the past couple of years and yet he continued to attend the various conventions and York meets as a Lionel ambassador. I spent quite some time with him at the LCCA Denver convention last year. We had taken the Lionel Grand Central Terminal Holiday layout there and he was very interested in how we built it, how it was wired, how long did it take to set up, etc. We spent time talking about when he initially left Lionel and he and his son continued to do display layout construction work for various stores and individuals. Luckily, we had a nice dinner with him and the Lionel team at York this past spring and he was in good spirits, but moving a little slow. He will be missed.

[nblum]

A man who always had a smile for you, even if he didn't know you.  He obviously had a good life and set a splendid example for others.  Hail and farewell, Lenny Dean.  My condolences to his family and friends.

[1688torpedo]

 Hello All!    Last year I wrote a post about some of the old timers who used to work for Lionel while they were in New Jersey as I was looking at the Archives of the Star-Ledger which is based in Newark,NJ & there are quite a few names of Folks who have been profiled in CTT or TMs Guides who worked for Lionel & thought about all of the knowledge that these people had & are now passing away & no one will ever know what some of these people did. If I'm not mistaken Lenny is the last or one of the last old timers who were hired back in Joshua Cowen's time & that is amazing in itself! And I bet that most of them were a walking library with all sorts of info to pass on to future generations as well. Unfortunately, Their family & friends probably thought little to ask questions or to help pass on information useful or trivial that most would find interesting. Take Care all.

[Anonymous]

Very sad news to hear.  Indeed, there can't be many like him left.  The hobby is certainly poorer without him.  My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

[railfan23]

I had the fortune to talk to Mr Dean at York a few times, a true ambasador to the hobby and a class act, who will be greatly missed.

[dbaker48]

,

What a legacy!  And all the smiling faces that man created.  HE was truly wealthy. 

[ChiefEagles]

Well put guys. 

[dwiemer]

Thanks for sharing this.  He represented what was Fun and enjoyable about this hobby, the days before lawsuits and name calling.  I wish we had more like him, he was an ambasador not only for Lionel, but for Toy Trains in general.  He will be missed

Dennis

[Buckeye Riveter]

A great leader of the hobby.  Our condolences to his family and friends.

[Kelly Shaw]

Lenny Dean, whose distinguished career with Lionel spanned more than six decades, died on July 16 at the age of 81. Click here to read the complete story.