Dean O Talley Obituary

Dean Talley, a 29-year resident of Durham, passed away suddenly March 10th at his home. Countless lives were touched with his kindness and joy. He loved his family and friends. Dean loved to fly and did so for all his life.

In 1949 Dean was born to Billy and Viva Talley in Bakersfield. Most of Dean’s early years were spent near Redwood City, getting his first taste of flying in Daly City, helping Viva in the ice cream parlor.

His adult life was dedicated to public service beginning in the Coast Guard. Dean earned his wings and became a Coast Guard Search and Rescue Pilot in Florida. After his service, he returned to California. He started flying in the early ‘80s for Hemet Valley Flying Service. He next flew with CALFIRE fighting wildfires in California, eventually as a S-2 Airtanker pilot. Dean then moved on to Aero Union, flying large air tankers for the Forest Service, fighting fires across the country. He eventually returning to CALFIRE. His reputation as a airtanker pilot is legendary, having dramatically saved countless lives over his more than 30 years fighting fire. Because of his great skill, Dean became a flight instructor, many of the air attack planes protecting our wildlands and homes are flown by those he taught. He was a long-time board member for the Associated Aerial Firefighters and spent hours supporting Aerial Firefighters, causing mischief and telling yarns.

When Dean wasn’t busy fighting fires he was flying crop dusters all over the North State or flying helicopters for his aerial applicator business, which he started with his dear friend, and fellow pilot Bob Hennigan.

To occupy his down time at work Dean loved to write. As a talented writer he published two novels, many letters, and stories he shared with family and friends.

He was active in the Durham community, including the Durham Recreation & Park Board of Directors, moonlighting as Santa Claus, and in the past, being Smokey The Bear. Dean coached soccer, chaperoned fields trips, including leading several classes around the Chico Airport. He was also part of the Durham Exchange Club including a stint as president, and participated, with enthusiasm, in numerous activities.

Dean Talley is survived by his wife Nancy and their children: Stephen, Laura, Michelle, stepdaughter Vikki, and three grandchildren (a fourth on the way). Dean was a wonderful and adventurous husband and father. He enjoyed life to the fullest and made sure his family had every opportunity to do the same. Just a few shorts months ago he spent time in Cuba with Nancy and friends; ending the trip visiting family on the East Coast. This was an bookend to his story because there was nothing he loved more than his family, friends, and new places.

A celebration of Dean’s life was held Saturday, April 14th 2018 at the Chico Airport

Please share memories of Dean at rememberingdean@lonepalmpublishing.com

Donations to Durham Exchange Club (Durham Exchange Club, PO Box 403, Durham CA 95938) or the AAF Memorial Trust Fund (c/o Newhart Bookkeeping, PO Box 336, Cloverdale CA 95425-0336) are appreciated.