Dean Ottman Walker - 74, of Aylesford, Kings County, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 6, 2011, with his family by his side, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Canterbury, N. B., he was a son of the late William and Beatrice (Peters) Walker. Dean attended the "Little Red School House" in Waterford, Digby County, where he took his first four grades in only two years, continuing there until grade ten. He then took grades eleven and twelve at Kingston Bible College and Academy, Kingston, N. S. Upon graduating from Bible College, he followed his girl friend & future wife of fifty-four years, Barbara (Tuttle), to Normal College (Teachers' College), Truro, N. S., where he completed a two year course in Industrial Arts. After graduation Dean's first Industrial Arts teaching position was at North Queens High School, Caledonia, N. S. Three years later he moved to Aylesford taking a teaching position at West Kings District High School, Auburn, N. S. His specialties were drafting and wood working. For two summers he furthered his Industrial Arts education at the New Brunswick Technical Institute, Moncton, also taking extension courses in drafting by mail from Acadia University in the winters. Next, Dean took night courses in Accounting preparing for retirement from teaching in June, 1973 and entering into business as part owner of Middleton Motors Ltd, a Chrysler dealership. After this dealership he became an equal partner with Jon Carey in Ronn Baltzer Equipment (1976) Ltd., a Case tractor franchise (currently Nova International, Aylesford, N. S.). Dean was a member of Harmony Lodge #52 in Aylesford for many years, where he served the Lodge in many capacities including Past Master and Treasurer. Dean was an important member of Harmony's Degree Team and was an exceptional role model for new members joining the Lodge. Dean was presented with a Meritorious Service Award in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to Masonry. Over the years since 1984 Dean took classes in Ballroom dancing and Square & Round Dancing. As a Square Dancer he held numerous executive positions, as high as President. He chaired a Valley Festival and a committee at the 1994 National Convention. His more recent role was yearly M. C. for the Annapolis Valley's Annual Apple Blossom Square & Round Dance. Dean never stopped learning something new. In his earlier years he took up golf and curling, later it was banjo lessons in 2003 and played to present day. As a banjo player he was able to accompany his wife, Barbara, as she played her fiddle. He enjoyed attending and participating in numerous jam sessions. He loved summers at their lake property, working in the woods, gardening, card games, listening to Country and Blue Grass music. He was a kind, thoughtful, loving, helpful husband and father. He will be missed very much. He is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Ann Tuttle; a son, Barry (Claire), Aylesford; two step-granddaughters, Mandy Saulnier, Halifax and Lisa Saulnier, Aylesford; a niece, Doreen (James) Mills, Sudbury, Ont.; a nephew, Larry (Geanna) Walker, Sandy Cove, Digby Co.; three nieces, Sylvia (Jim) Collier, Lower Sackville; Sheila (William "Don") Munns, Saint John, N. B.; Marilyn Walker, Halifax; three nephews, Gordon (Aubéa) Walker, Moncton, N. B.; Russell (Cheryl) Walker, Halifax; Allan (Zora) Walker, Digby. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Donald (and his wife, Dora) Walker and Gerald (and his wife, Marion) Walker. Visitation was held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2011 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, with a Masonic Lodge service held at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service, followed by a reception, was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2011 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Rev. Doug Porter officiated. Burial will take place at a later date in the Aylesford Union Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Lung Association (for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research), Fidelis House Society, the Annapolis Valley Victorian Order of Nurses or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Valley Regional Hospital, Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care during Dean's stay from December 20, 2010 to his death. Also the support of Fidelis House volunteers, family and friends. They wish the best to the other families they shared time with in the Intensive Care Unit and thank them for their support.