Dean Crowder
OBITUARY
As a healthcare executive, Dean was the visionary force that transformed Sharp Memorial Hospital into the regional healthcare system, Sharp HealthCare. He would ultimately become Sharp Healthcare’s first chief executive officer, building the organization into one of the region’s most prominent medical institutions.
Dean was a fourth-generation Californian, the descend- ant of a pioneer farming family who came to Madera County following the Civil War. As a boy, he lived on a working ranch in Oakhurst.
He attended the University of California, Berkeley. Following graduation, he served in the US Army in Japan and Korea during the Korean Conflict. He then achieved a Master’s degree at Emory University School of Business with a major in hospital administration. Also post grad studies at Harvard Business School. He spent 5 summers attending classes at Christchurch, Oxford in the UK for his love of history.
He was an emeritus member of Rotary Club of San Diego. Served on the boards of Friends of Balboa Park and the San Diego Education Foundation and President of the International Visitors Council. In 1985 was 1 of 100 people to watch in San Diego Magazine. His passion for the arts also led him to volunteer with the Spreckels Organ Society and the Timken Museum of Art.
Services will be held at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (Red Brick) at 11 a.m. on September 4th.